On the night of Passover (Saturday to Sunday), the home of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was set on fire while the family was asleep, shortly after they had finished their Seder. All family members were safely evacuated without injury. Pennsylvania State Police arrested a suspect named Cody Balmer in connection with the arson.
Facing Charges of Attempted Murder and Terrorism Offenses
According to investigators, 38-year-old Balmer allegedly jumped the fence surrounding the governor’s residence, broke into the premises, and set the house on fire around 2:00 a.m. The motive behind the arson has not yet been released. Authorities stated that Balmer is expected to face charges including attempted murder, aggravated arson, terrorism-related offenses, and assault on a public official.
“We celebrated our faith and will continue to do so”
Governor Shapiro, a traditional Conservative Jew, issued a statement saying: “If this act was intended to instill fear – it failed. We celebrated our faith with pride and we will continue to do so tonight at the second Seder.”
Extensive fire damage inside Pennsylvania Governor’s residence after arson attack overnight, seen here in a series of photos provided by @GovernorShapiro officers. pic.twitter.com/06CxpY3d79
— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) April 13, 2025
Last night at the Governor’s Residence, we experienced an attack not just on our family, but on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
This kind of violence has become far too common in our society, and it has to stop. pic.twitter.com/5HP5JSvgfc
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 13, 2025
“Last night, they protected us”
Shapiro shared on Twitter: “At around 2:00 a.m. last night, my family and I were awakened by Pennsylvania State Police knocking at our door, after the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg was set on fire by an intruder.”
He praised the security forces for their quick response and for saving his family’s lives, expressing gratitude on behalf of his loved ones: “Every day, we stand with the men and women in uniform who protect our communities. Last night – they protected us.”
