A suspect will be charged with attempted homicide and terrorism offenses after an overnight fire at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg forced Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family to evacuate on Sunday, officials said.
Officials said Cody Balmer, 38, hopped a fence and intentionally set a fire at the Governor’s Residence early Sunday morning while Shapiro and his family were home. Balmer, of Harrisburg, is set to be charged with attempted homicide, terrorism, aggravated arson and more, officials said. He was taken into custody on Sunday in the Harrisburg area.
The fire happened after Shapiro and his family celebrated the first night of Passover at the residence.
State police said crews from the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire went to the Governor’s Residence on North Front Street in Dauphin County at around 2 a.m. Sunday for a report of a fire.
Shapiro said in a statement that he and his family were at the home when the fire broke out. The Pennsylvania governor said they woke up to “bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.”
As Harrisburg fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze, Shapiro said his family was evacuated from the home with help from state police and Capitol police.
The Pennsylvania governor said that no one was injured and the fire was brought under control.
Pennsylvania State Police Troop H is investigating the fire, which they said caused significant damage to a portion of the home. The agency is offering a $10,000 reward through PSP Tips for an arrest and conviction in the investigation.
State police encourages anyone with information related to the fire to call 1-800-4PA TIPS (1-800-472-8477).
The Governor’s Residence was built on the Susquehanna River and is described as a 29,000 square foot Georgian-style home designed by architect George Ewing.
The home has housed eight governors and their families, according to the state’s website.
Pennsylvania leaders respond after Governor’s Residence fire
Leaders from the commonwealth and surrounding areas posted statements on social media about the fire, the Shapiro family’s safety and the emergency crews’ response.
In a statement, Attorney General Dave Sunday praised the first responders for their quick actions and said his office “stands ready with any resources needed to find the culprit of this senseless act of violence.”
Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge posted on social media that he and his wife are thankful the Shapiro family made it out safely, saying, “The images showing the damage to the home we lived in with our children for nearly eight years are heartbreaking.” Another former commonwealth leader, Gov. Mark Schweiker, called the fire, which state police are investigating as arson, a “despicable act of cowardice.”
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis posted his sentiments on social media, writing in part, “I won’t speculate on motivations, but I will say that targeting elected officials and their family members with violence is never acceptable.”
Democratic Speaker of the Pennsylvania House Rep. Joanna McClinton said in part, “cowardly acts of violence meant to stoke fear have no place in our commonwealth.”
New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim additionally condemned the fire, writing, “violence can never be tolerated.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.