Suspect Arrested for Arson at Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence
In a concerning incident, a fire was reported at the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in Harrisburg during the early hours of Sunday, leading to the arrest of a suspect who is now in custody. The fire, which has been deemed suspicious and is currently under investigation as arson, took place around 2 a.m. ET.
Governor Shapiro and Family Evacuated Safely
At the time of the fire, Gov. Shapiro and his family were present in the residence but were safely evacuated without any injuries. The swift response from the Pennsylvania State Police ensured the family was unharmed amidst the chaos.
Details on the Arrest
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Cody Balmer from Harrisburg, faces serious charges including attempted murder, aggravated arson, and terrorism, as announced by Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo. These charges are set to be formally filed this Sunday.
Targeted Attack
In a press conference held shortly after the incident, Governor Shapiro described the attack as “targeted,” expressing concern over the implications of such violence. He remarked, “We do know that this attack was targeted… this type of violence is not okay,” emphasizing his stance on the matter’s seriousness.
Potential Motivations Under Investigation
Law enforcement is currently investigating whether the timing of the fire, which coincided with the first night of Passover, may suggest a hate-motivated attack, particularly given Gov. Shapiro’s Jewish faith. Just prior to the fire, the governor shared a celebratory message on social media, posting a picture of his family’s Seder table in observance of the holiday.
Incident Overview
According to Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police, the incident unfolded rapidly. The suspect allegedly breached the property and evaded capture while igniting fires within the residence. The entire episode reportedly transpired within a matter of minutes.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigations
In his statement, Gov. Shapiro reflected on the frightening moments of the event, noting that the Pennsylvania State Police arrived at the residence in response to the emergency. “Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” he stated, acknowledging the efforts of the first responders.
As investigations continue, police have confirmed that the fire caused significant damage to parts of the residence, and they assert that they are treating this case as a clear act of arson.
Who is Josh Shapiro?
Governor Josh Shapiro has held the office since his election in 2022. Prior to this role, he served as the state’s attorney general for two terms and was previously considered as a vice presidential candidate. His leadership is marked by a focus on public safety and community wellness.
As this situation develops, authorities are calling for vigilance within the community while they work to ensure justice is served.