Cody Balmer set fire to Governor Josh Shapiro's home – while his family were sleeping inside

A 38-year-old man, Cody Balmer, was arrested Sunday after allegedly setting fire to Pennsylvania’s governor’s mansion in Harrisburg, where Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were sleeping. The blaze, which broke out around 2 a.m., ripped through parts of the historic residence, but thankfully, no one was hurt, thanks to quick action by state police and firefighters.

Balmer faces serious charges, including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and assault. At a press conference, State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said Balmer climbed a fence to get onto the property and used homemade firebombs to spark the flames. “He dodged troopers who were already patrolling the grounds,” Bivens explained, adding that Balmer broke in and started the fire while police were hunting for him. It all unfolded in a tense, fast-moving few minutes.

The fire came just hours after Shapiro, a rising Democratic star often mentioned for 2028, celebrated Passover’s first night with his family.

Speaking later that day, his voice heavy with emotion, Shapiro didn’t hold back. “This kind of violence is happening too often,” he said. “I don’t care who it’s aimed at or what side it’s from—it’s got to stop. We’re better than this.” Earlier, he took to X to thank the responders who kept his family safe, writing, “Lori and I are forever grateful. Thank God no one was hurt.”

The attack stunned leaders across the board. Greg Rothman, head of Pennsylvania’s Republican Party, said he was relieved Shapiro’s family and staff were safe, praising the firefighters and police and demanding justice if the act proves criminal.

The National Governors Association, led by Governors Jared Polis and Kevin Stitt, called the violence unacceptable, noting how it hits home for public officials who are also parents and neighbors. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who chairs the Democratic Governors Association, found it especially chilling that the fire struck during Passover, stressing that Jewish Americans shouldn’t fear practicing their faith.

The governor’s mansion, a stately landmark by the Susquehanna River, took a heavy hit: photos show scorched rooms and shattered windows. As police keep investigating, the focus is on protecting Shapiro’s family and making sure nothing like this happens again.