The windows and door were damaged in a fire that broke out overnight on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the governor’s official home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. AP Photo
A man set fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion early Sunday morning. Police arrested him and said he will face serious charges, including attempted murder, terrorism, and arson.
The fire broke out at around 2 a.m., waking up Governor Josh Shapiro, his wife, their four children, two dogs, and a visiting family. The other family had joined the Shapiros to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover on Saturday night.
State troopers quickly woke everyone up and got them out safely. Fire crews managed to put out the flames. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
Police identified the suspect as 38-year-old Cody Balmer from Harrisburg. Officials said Balmer climbed over a fence and broke into the mansion before starting the fire. He carried a homemade firebomb and managed to slip past security.
Authorities believe Balmer planned the attack carefully. They caught him not far from the mansion after the fire started.
The fire caused major damage to part of the mansion, especially a large room used for public events and art displays. Windows were shattered, doors left open, and burn marks were clearly visible. Police and fire investigators were seen working at the site. They wrapped part of the damaged fence in black plastic and took it away for evidence.
The room that caught fire was the same room where the families had their Seder dinner to mark Passover the night before. Governor Shapiro shared how emotional this moment was for him. He said, “We told the story of Passover in that room. I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempted to put on me by attacking us as they did last night.”
State officials have not yet shared more details about how the fire started but confirmed that it caused “a significant amount of damage.” The Shapiro family was sleeping in a different part of the mansion, away from the fire.
Governor Shapiro thanked federal agencies and other governors who reached out in support. He said the Department of Justice, FBI, and U.S. Attorney’s Office have all offered help.
On Sunday, police tape blocked off parts of the mansion grounds. Officers searched the area and used a dog to assist in the investigation.
The mansion has served as the official residence for Pennsylvania governors since the 1960s. Shapiro also spends time at his other home in Abington, about 100 miles away.
Before the attack, Shapiro had posted a photo of the Passover dinner table on social media. That same room is now badly burned.
Former governors from both political parties condemned the attack. One called it a “despicable act of cowardice.” Another said the damage to the place he once called home was “heartbreaking.”
Both said the person behind this crime must face justice.
