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Arson Incident at Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion During Passover
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A man has been apprehended following an alleged break-in at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion, where he reportedly set a fire that caused considerable damage. This incident forced Governor Josh Shapiro, his family, and guests to evacuate the residence during the Jewish holiday of Passover.
Fire crews extinguished the blaze early Sunday morning, with no injuries reported. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Cody Balmer, was taken into custody later that day not far from the scene, as confirmed by law enforcement.
Investigators are examining how a person could bypass security to gain access to the governor’s residence located in Harrisburg. Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Christopher Paris described the fire as a “carefully planned attack,” although he did not disclose a possible motive behind Balmer’s actions.
Reports indicate that Balmer overcame a 7-foot security fence surrounding the property, which is equipped with surveillance cameras. Initially, police responded to alerts of someone scaling the fence and initiated a search, but Balmer had not been located until after the fire was reported.
Allegations suggest Balmer entered the southern wing of the mansion, a room regularly used for entertaining and showcasing artwork. Authorities stated he ignited a fire with a homemade incendiary device, resulting in significant damage such as charred walls, furniture, and various items in the room. The aftermath of the incident revealed blackened window panes and brickwork.
Authorities report Balmer remained inside the building for approximately one minute before escaping the property.
Balmer is expected to face numerous charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. His criminal history spans over a decade, with prior charges involving simple assault, theft, and forgery. Court records reveal that he received probation following guilty pleas in earlier cases, with unresolved simple assault charges from 2023.
As of now, officials have not confirmed whether Balmer has legal representation, and attempts to reach family members went unanswered. Notably, one of his previous residences in Harrisburg was condemned in 2022.
Shapiro, 51, is serving as the first-term governor of Pennsylvania, a significant state in nationwide elections and currently recognized as a potential candidate for the presidency in 2028.
Governor Shapiro recounted that he and his family, along with two dogs and another family, were celebrating Passover on Saturday evening and were suddenly woken by state troopers knocking on their doors around 2 a.m. on Sunday.
The governor has openly discussed his Jewish faith, using it as a cornerstone in both his political identity and personal life.
In his campaign advertisements, Shapiro highlighted family traditions and underscored his commitment to family life, showcasing moments of gathering for Sabbath dinners.
He often quotes a rabbinic principle during speeches: “No one is required to complete the task, but neither are we free to refrain from it.”
The incident’s timing during Passover is particularly poignant as this holiday marks the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt, an event deeply significant in Jewish tradition.
On the evening of the holiday, Shapiro and his family participated in a Seder in the same room where the fire occurred, further complicating the emotional impact of the attack.
Follow Marc Levy on X at https://x.com/timelywriter.
Source
abcnews.go.com