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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s Home Targeted in Arson Attack
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were victims of an arson incident at their official residence over the weekend. Authorities reported an individual ignited a fire at the governor’s home, prompting Shapiro, 51, and his family to evacuate in the early hours of Sunday, April 13. The incident is under investigation by state law enforcement as officials assess the extent of the damage and motives behind the attack on the Pennsylvania governor.
Significant Damage Reported at Governor’s Residence
According to a statement released by the Pennsylvania State Police, the blaze was successfully extinguished by first responders, but not before causing considerable damage to a portion of the property. Details regarding the specific areas affected are still being evaluated by authorities.
Details Unfold: What Happened to Governor Shapiro’s Home?
The arson occurred in the pre-dawn hours of April 13. Emergency personnel successfully removed Governor Shapiro and his family from the residence as flames engulfed part of the structure located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
“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
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— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 13, 2025
Family Safe Following Arson Incident
Governor Shapiro confirmed via social media that he and his family are unharmed and were safely evacuated from the premises.
In his tweet on April 13, Shapiro recounted, “Last night at approximately 2AM, my family and I were awakened by Pennsylvania State Police at our door after an arsonist ignited a fire at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.” He further stated, “The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded swiftly, and while they worked to suppress the fire, we were safely evacuated from the Residence by Pennsylvania State Police and Capitol Police.”
The governor reassured the public that “no individuals sustained injuries and the fire was contained.”
Shapiro expressed his gratitude, stating, “Every day, we stand with law enforcement and first responders who bravely confront danger to safeguard our communities. Last night, they extended that protection to our family – and Lori [Shapiro] and I are eternally thankful for their efforts in ensuring our safety.”
State police corroborated this account in their official statement, clarifying that the governor and his family were situated in a separate section of the residence, away from the fire’s origin, and “were evacuated without injury.”
Suspect Apprehended in Arson Investigation
While law enforcement has not yet publicly identified a motive in the arson attack on Governor Shapiro’s home, an individual, Cody Balmer of Harrisburg, was taken into custody on April 13. During a press briefing held that day, Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo announced that authorities intended to file charges against Balmer, 38.
District Attorney Chardo indicated, “While not yet formally recorded, the forthcoming charges will encompass attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault against an enumerated person.” He emphasized the severity of the accusations, adding, “These are exceptionally grave charges. As with all accusations, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”