Suspect in custody after fire at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence
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Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a press conference outside of the Governor's Mansion after a portion of the property was damaged in an arson fire on Sunday in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Photo: Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images
A suspect was arrested over a fire at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's (D) Harrisburg residence that forced the governor and his family to evacuate early Sunday, officials said in the evening.
The latest: The suspect was found with "homemade" incendiary devices, Pennsylvania State Police deputy commissioner George Bivens said at a Sunday evening briefing.
- Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, will face charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault against an enumerated person, Pennsylvania District Attorney Fran Chardo said at the briefing.
- Balmer is accused of jumping a fence before breaking into the residence and setting it alight.
The big picture: Shapiro and his family, who were in a different part of the building, were evacuated safely, but the fire caused "a significant part of damage" to a portion of the residence, Pennsylvania State Police said in a statement.
- The FBI confirmed to Axios it is assisting Pennsylvania State Police in its investigation.
Driving the news: Shapiro said in a Sunday social media post that he and his family were awoken around 2am ET by law enforcement officials banging on the door after the fire was set.
- No one was injured, and the fire was extinguished, he said.
- "Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities," Shapiro wrote. "Last night, they did so for our family – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe."
- State officials offered a reward of up to $10,000 for tips for the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible.
Zoom in: Shapiro noted at the Sunday evening briefing that his family, friends and community members had gathered hours before the incident to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover.
- "I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempted to put on me and my family," Shapiro said. "I refuse to let anyone with evil intentions stop me from being a leader and looking out for Pennsylvania residents."
- Shapiro said he'd spoken with FBI director Kash Patel, who'd "promised all of the resources of the federal government."
Zoom out: Shapiro has been a prominent state leader in pushing back against the Trump administration and was widely considered on the shortlist to become Vice President Kamala Harris' No. 2 during her presidential run.
Go deeper: What's ahead in Josh Shapiro's potential path to 2028
Editor's note: This article has been updated with details from the Sunday evening briefing and with photos from the governor's mansion.
