A 38-year-old Harrisburg man, identified as Cody Balmer, has been arrested and is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly setting a fire that caused significant damage to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg early Sunday morning, prompting a swift evacuation of Governor Josh Shapiro, his family, and their guests.

According to Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo, Balmer will be charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault in connection with the incident, which unfolded around 2:00 a.m. on April 13, 2025.

Authorities say Balmer illegally entered the grounds of the Governor’s Residence on North Front Street by scaling a security fence, then forcibly breached the home’s structure.

Pennsylvania State Police Deputy Commissioner George Bivens reported that Balmer was in possession of a homemade incendiary device and managed to evade law enforcement personnel initially responding to the breach.

He was later taken into custody in the surrounding area.

During a press conference Sunday afternoon, Governor Shapiro described the harrowing moments when he, his wife, their four children, two dogs, and another family staying with them were awakened by state troopers in the early morning hours. The group had been gathered the previous evening to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover.

“I’m obviously emotional,” Shapiro said. “When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover and the story of the Jewish exodus from bondage. I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempted to put on me by attacking us as they did last night.”

Shapiro expressed gratitude to the law enforcement officers and first responders who ensured his family’s safety, stating, “This type of violence is not okay. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other. Directed at one particular party or another or one particular person or another. It is not okay — and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”

Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident, though a portion of the residence—specifically a large room often used for entertaining and art displays—sustained significant fire damage.

The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded promptly and brought the situation under control while assisting with evacuation.

By Sunday afternoon, charred areas of the building were visible on its south side, and a heavy police presence remained at the scene. Yellow caution tape cordoned off nearby areas, and officers were seen working with K9 units outside the gated perimeter.

Governor Shapiro, who splits time between the Governor’s Residence and his home in Abington, approximately 100 miles east, had shared a photo on social media the night before the fire showing the family’s Passover Seder table.

The incident has drawn strong reactions from political leaders and public figures. Former Pennsylvania Governors Tom Ridge and Mark Schweiker, both Republicans, condemned the attack, calling it a “despicable act of cowardice” and “shocking.” Ridge added, “Whoever is responsible for this attack — to both the Shapiro family and our Commonwealth — must be held to account.”

Governor Shapiro confirmed he has received offers of support and assistance from the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as well as messages of solidarity from fellow governors and national leaders.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday also issued a statement pledging his office’s full support in the investigation, calling it a “senseless act of violence.”

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact law enforcement.