Governor Shapiro Targeted: Man Arrested After Arson Attack on Mansion During Passover
Cody Balmer was arrested after attempting to break into Governor Shapiro's mansion and setting a fire, expressing intent to harm.
Balmer does not appear to be a Trump supporter either.
Man accused in Pennsylvania arson had limited criminal history: Who is Cody Balmer?
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Balmer also told investigators that he knew it was possible the Shapiros would be home at the time.
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The fire was set in the very room where he and his family celebrated Passover with a seder with members of Harrisburg’s Jewish community on Saturday night.
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It is notable that, in the current hyper-partisan environment, Republicans and Democrats were quick to condemn the alleged violence — and not on dissimilar lines.
'Hateful and horrific': Shapiro governor's mansion fire prompts outcry from lawmakers
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The fire significantly damaged the governor’s residence.
Arsonist sought to hammer Pennsylvania governor, police say
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The fire badly damaged the inside of the large room that is often used for entertaining crowds and art displays.
Pennsylvania arson suspect planned to beat governor with hammer, documents say
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At 51, Shapiro is serving his first term as governor of Pennsylvania, the nation’s fifth-largest state and a key presidential battleground.
Josh Shapiro arson attack: What do we know about suspect Cody Balmer
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Balmer’s social media presence suggests he held staunch anti-government views.
What we know about suspect in arson at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence
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This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society.
Suspect in arson at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence being treated at hospital, police say
Boston Herald·5d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.The fire left significant damage and forced Shapiro, his family and guests to evacuate the building early Sunday.
Suspect in arson at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence being treated at hospital, police say
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Shapiro, 51, is the first-term governor of the nation's fifth-most populous state, a presidential battleground that has helped make him a rising star in the Democratic Party and viewed as a potential White House contender in 2028.
What to know about Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the alleged arson at his official residence
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The attack came just hours after the Shapiro family had celebrated the beginning of Passover on Saturday night.
What We Know About the Arson Attack on Josh Shapiro’s Home
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This type of violence is not OK.
Suspect Arrested in Arson Fire that Forced Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Family to Flee Residence
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The fire, which is being investigated as "an act of arson," took place around 2:00 a.m. ET at the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg, the commonwealth's capital, Pennsylvania State Police said in a statement Sunday morning.
Fire at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence was 'an act of arson,' police say
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Acts of political violence have been on the rise in recent years, showing the largest and most sustained increase in 50 years.
Police Investigating 'Act of Arson' at Pennsylvania Governor's Residence
Rolling Stone·5d·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.LeftThis outlet favors left-wing views.Authorities said the suspect hopped over a fence surrounding the property and forcibly entered the residence before setting it on fire.
Person in Custody After Suspected Arson Fire at Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion
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State authorities said while the blaze was extinguished, it caused "a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence".
Josh Shapiro: Pennsylvania governor evacuated from suspected arson attack on home
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The fire, which broke out around 2 a.m., caused significant damage to part of the residence.
Arson suspected at Pennsylvania governor's mansion
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The fire broke out overnight on the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which Shapiro and his family had celebrated at the governor's official residence in the state capital of Harrisburg.
Police Investigating Arson at Gov. Josh Shapiro's House
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The investigation is ongoing, they are prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson.
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In a statement, Shapiro, viewed as a potential White House contender for the Democratic Party in 2028, said he and his family woke up at about 2 a.m. to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after the fire broke out.
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Summary
On April 13, 2025, 38-year-old Cody Balmer was arrested after he broke into Governor Josh Shapiro’s mansion in Pennsylvania, setting a fire that caused significant damage during the Passover holiday. He had planned to attack Shapiro with a sledgehammer if found. Balmer scaled an iron fence and used gasoline-filled beer bottles as Molotov cocktails. No injuries were reported, but the incident triggered an evacuation. Shapiro, who views this as a violent act against his faith, remains resolute in his duties. Balmer faces multiple charges including attempted homicide, terrorism, and aggravated arson.
Perspectives
A suspect, identified as 38-year-old Cody Balmer, has been arrested in connection with the arson at the Governor's Residence, with charges including attempted murder and terrorism expected to be filed shortly. Reports reveal he expressed a desire to violently confront Governor Shapiro if given the chance, highlighting the planned nature of his attack.
Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were evacuated safely after the arson fire, which caused extensive damage to the residence, with the incident being investigated as a hate crime potentially linked to the timing on the first night of Passover. Shapiro emphasized the need for society to reject political violence, regardless of its source or targets.
The Pennsylvania State Police are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the arson, emphasizing the community's role in combating political violence. Shapiro's emotional response during a press conference calls for unity against such acts that threaten public officials.
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