Harrisburg Man Cody Balmer Arrested and Facing Multiple Felony Charges, Including Attempted Murder and Terrorism, After Allegedly Setting Fire to Governor Josh Shapiro’s Residence in Early Morning Arson Attack

HARRISBURG, PA — April 13, 2025 — 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.

Incident Details

According to Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo, the fire occurred around 2:00 a.m. on April 13, 2025. Balmer reportedly breached the property’s security by scaling a fence and forcibly entering the residence. Once inside, he used a homemade incendiary device to ignite the blaze, which caused substantial damage to a portion of the residence used for entertaining. Governor Shapiro and his family were asleep in another part of the house and were evacuated safely without injury. The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded promptly and extinguished the flames.

Charges and Investigation

Balmer has been charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. Authorities are treating the incident as a targeted act of arson. The motive remains under investigation, but some have speculated that the timing of the attack, occurring on the first night of Passover, may suggest a possible bias-related motive.

Governor Shapiro, who is Jewish, had been celebrating the holiday with his family and friends at the residence. He condemned the attack as an act of violence and emphasized the importance of unity and resilience in the face of such incidents.

Community Response

The fire has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across the state and nation. Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge expressed heartbreak over the damage to the residence, while Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and House Speaker Joanna McClinton called the act a “cowardly” assault on public officials and their families.

In response to the incident, the Pennsylvania State Police have increased security measures around the Governor’s Residence and are conducting a thorough investigation. A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

Conclusion

The arrest of Cody Balmer marks a significant development in the investigation into the arson at the Governor’s Residence. As authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, the community remains vigilant and united in condemning acts of violence against public officials and their families.

For more information or to provide tips related to the case, individuals are encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (1-800-472-8477).