Pennsylvania State Police arrested a suspect in connection with the fire set at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in Harrisburg overnight Saturday, with the investigation ongoing.
The Context
Shapiro reported on Sunday that state police woke him and his family at 2 a.m. after a suspect had set fire in the Governor’s Residence, forcing the governor and his family to evacuate. Shapiro had guests over earlier in the evening to celebrate the first night of Passover but has not revealed who was staying in the residence other than his family.
No one was harmed during the incident, and the suspect escaped. Authorities launched a multi-agency manhunt spearheaded by the Pennsylvania State Police.
By Sunday evening, authorities had a suspect in custody and revealed more details about what had happened.
What To Know
Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris told reporters at a press conference on Sunday evening that they had identified Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old resident of Harrisburg, as a person of interest and suspect in the investigation.
Authorities are treating the incident as aggravated arson and attempted homicide, which will be further detailed in an official complaint filed later this evening. Balmer will also face terrorism and aggravated assault charges.
While Shapiro spoke at length about Balmer’s attempt to “terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community,” no charges of a hate crime were yet announced.
Paris said the suspect jumped a fence at the Governor’s Residence, evaded troopers on site who were looking for him, then broke into the residence and set fire to the building before escaping back over the fence.
Balmer had a “very methodic plan” and had homemade incendiary devices in his possession, Paris added.
A photo of a man allegedly identified as Balmer started circulating online but could not be verified. Authorities said a booking photo of the suspect would be available later this evening.
What People Are Saying
Philadelphia Council Member Jamie Gauthier wrote on X: “I’m relieved to hear that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe following the disturbing fire at the Governor’s Residence, which has now been confirmed as arson. Violence of any kind—especially that threatens lives and public institutions—has no place in our commonwealth.”
She added: “I hope for swift justice and accountability as it relates to this act, and my thoughts and prayers are with the Governor, First Lady, and their children as they weather such a traumatic experience.”
The Bucks County Democrats official X page wrote: “Our thoughts are with Governor Shapiro, the First Lady and their children in the wake of an arsonist attack on the Governor’s residence early this morning. Thanks to the work of the PA State Police, Capitol Police and Harrisburg Fire Department, no one was injured.”
What Happens Next?
Authorities will conduct a thorough review of security measures around the Governor’s Residence, and Shapiro said his family will celebrate the second night of Passover.
Federal charges may soon follow, but that will not become clear until Monday at the earliest.
This is a developing story and more information will be added as it becomes available.
Read the full article here
