HARRISBURG, Pa. — Police say a man has been arrested and will face charges including attempted murder, terrorism and attempted arson in the early morning fire that badly damaged the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion and forced Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family to quickly escape.
Sunday’s announcement came after Shapiro and his family were evacuated overnight from the official governor’s residence after someone set fire to the building. Shapiro told an afternoon news conference that he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family that had celebrated Passover on Saturday were inside the home when they were awakened by state troopers.
No one was injured and the fire was extinguished, according to authorities. Shapiro is considered as a potential White House contender for the Democratic Party in 2028,
Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris identified the man in custody as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg. Paris emphasized at a Sunday afternoon news conference that the investigation is continuing.
Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo said that forthcoming charges will include attempted murder, terrorism, attempted arson and aggravated assault.
Authorities said the suspect hopped over a fence surrounding the property and forcibly entered the residence before setting it on fire.
Police deputy commissioner George Bivens said Balmer had a homemade incendiary device and evaded police who knew there had been a breach.
This is a developing story and will be updated. Read the earlier article on the arson.