Intruder Sets Fire at Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion
An alarming incident unfolded in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as a man scaled the security barriers of the governor’s mansion, evading law enforcement and setting a fire that caused substantial damage. Governor Josh Shapiro, along with his family and guests, were forced to evacuate the premises in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to authorities.
The suspect, apprehended later that day, is facing multiple charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault, officials disclosed.
Governor Shapiro, who is recognized as a potential Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential race, expressed his determination to continue his work and faith practices undeterred by the incident. “I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempts to put on me by attacking us as they did here last night,” Shapiro stated.
Details of the Incident
The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, 38, from Harrisburg, was reported to have used a homemade incendiary device in a premeditated attack. Lt. Col. George Bivens noted that Balmer breached the nearly 7-foot-high iron security fence and entered the mansion, igniting the fire in less than a minute before fleeing the scene.
Shapiro, along with his family and another family, were observing Passover in the mansion on Saturday night. The fire was set in the very room where the Passover seder was held, causing significant damage to the interior, including charred furnishings and shattered glass.
Community and Political Reactions
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation. Shapiro emphasized the need for societal change, stating, “This type of violence is not OK. We have to be better than this.”
Support has poured in from various quarters, including pledges of assistance from the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the U.S. attorney’s office. Vice President JD Vance took to X to express relief at the Shapiro family’s safety, describing the act as “really disgusting violence.”
Former Pennsylvania Governors Mark Schweiker and Tom Ridge also voiced their dismay, with Ridge calling the attack on the governor’s residence “heartbreaking” and urging accountability for those responsible.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack, while the governor and his family vacated the damaged section of the mansion, which has housed state governors since the 1960s.
For more updates, follow Marc Levy on X: https://x.com/timelywriter
