(Harrisburg, PA) – State police in Pennsylvania are investigating what they believe to be an act of arson following a fire at the residence of Governor Josh Shapiro. Shapiro posted about the incident on social media, sharing nobody was injured in the incident.
Last night at about 2AM, my family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire, we were…
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 13, 2025
The blaze began around 2 A.M. on Sunday morning. The family at the time was home, just hours earlier celebrating the Jewish holiday of Passover. Shapiro, a Democrat, thanked the state police for alerting the family and aiding in their escape. The fire caused significant damage to a section of the mansion.
A man is in custody facing attempted murder and arson charges. Pennsylvania State Police say Cody Balmer hopped a fence and set the fire. Balmer, was charged with criminal attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and more. He was He was arrested Sunday in the Harrisburg area. His mother told CBS News he is mentally ill and was off his medication.
