News Summary
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were evacuated from their residence following an arson attack on April 13, 2025. The suspect, Cody Balmer, has been arrested and faces numerous charges, including attempted murder. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but significant damage was inflicted on the historic residence. The event raises concerns about mental health and public safety as investigations continue.
Pennsylvania – Governor Josh Shapiro was evacuated from his official residence in Harrisburg early on April 13, 2025, following an arson attack that occurred around 2 a.m. The fire was set during the first night of Passover, a significant Jewish holiday, forcing Shapiro, his family, and guests to flee the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and firefighters successfully extinguished the flames.
The suspect in the arson, identified as Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old resident of Harrisburg, is now in custody facing multiple serious charges. These include attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. According to authorities, Balmer managed to scale a nearly 7-foot-high iron security fence, eluding police who were actively searching for him at the time. After breaking into the southern wing of the governor’s residence, he set the fire using a homemade incendiary device, which consisted of two Molotov cocktails made from beer bottles filled with gasoline. Balmer was reportedly inside the residence for approximately one minute before fleeing.
The arson attack resulted in significant damage to the governor’s residence, with destroyed furniture, shattered windows, and charred walls evident in the aftermath. The absence of a sprinkler system, due to the residence’s construction in the 1960s, contributed to the severity of the damage incurred during the incident.
Balmer turned himself in later that same day, after his ex-partner informed authorities of his confession to the crimes. He has a history of criminal behavior, including several theft and domestic violence charges, as well as legal issues related to ongoing domestic disturbances. Concerns regarding his mental health were raised prior to the incident by family members; his mother reported that he suffers from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However, Balmer denied having any mental health issues during a recent court appearance, and no interventions from authorities were enacted.
Following the attack, Governor Shapiro, who is viewed as a potential presidential candidate for the 2028 election, emphasized the importance of safety and condemned the rising violence in society during a subsequent press conference. He expressed his intention to continue fulfilling his duties while also observing his faith during Passover. He reiterated that violence of any sort is unacceptable, underscoring the need for community safety.
As investigations continue, Colonel Christopher Paris from the Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that the attack was premeditated and emphasized that further inquiries are ongoing. The situation highlights broader societal issues, particularly concerning mental health and violent behavior, raising questions about the potential prevention of such incidents in the future.
This distressing event comes as Shapiro’s family was asleep in the residence. Witnesses described the evacuation as rushed and urgent, illustrating the gravity of the situation as flames engulfed part of the historic residence.
Balmer’s background includes service as an Army Reservist and previous work as an auto mechanic; however, he has faced financial difficulties, including foreclosure on his home. His troubling history and the circumstances surrounding the arson attack have sparked a conversation regarding mental health support and the safety of high-profile individuals.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by individuals struggling with mental health issues and the impact of such violent actions on communities and public figures alike. As the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the governor, his family, and the greater public.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AP News: Arson Attack on Governor Shapiro’s Residence
- Wikipedia: Josh Shapiro
- York Daily Record: Shapiro Escapes Fire
- Google Search: Josh Shapiro arson fire
- CNN: Arson at Governor’s Residence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arson
- NBC Philadelphia: Cody Balmer Charged with Arson
- Google News: Pennsylvania Governor Arson
