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A man is facing a long list of serious charges, including criminal attempt – criminal homicide, terrorism, and aggravated arson, after allegedly breaking into Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence in Harrisburg early Sunday and starting multiple fires with Molotov cocktails while the governor’s family was inside.
The attack occurred just hours after the Shapiro family hosted a Passover Seder, shaking residents and officials alike. Authorities say the suspect, Cody Balmer, 38, surveilled the residence, jumped a wall, smashed a window with a hammer, and ignited three fires in the home before fleeing.
“Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” Shapiro wrote on social media. “Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run toward danger to protect our communities.”
“Methodical” Attack on Jewish Governor During Passover
According to an affidavit filed by Dauphin County prosecutors, Balmer admitted his actions to state troopers, stating that he was angry at Shapiro and would have attacked him with a hammer if he had encountered him.
Balmer’s alleged attack appears to have been planned, with video surveillance capturing him in a distinctive Snap-On jacket, using three Molotov cocktails to set fires in different areas of the home.
State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens described Balmer’s actions as “methodical” and “deliberate,” noting that the entire incident lasted only a few minutes. Investigators believe Balmer evaded troopers who were already on the property and acted while they were searching for him.
“He was in and out very quickly, and the family was awakened by loud banging at the door,” said Bivens. “The governor and his family were incredibly fortunate.”
Shapiro Family Safe, But Home Sustains Significant Damage
The governor and First Lady Lori Shapiro, along with some of their four children, were asleep when the fire started around 2 a.m. State police helped evacuate the family, and firefighters were able to prevent loss of life, though the home sustained heavy smoke and fire damage.
Photos show soot-blackened windows, broken glass, and charred furniture inside the residence. A narrow view into the home revealed the extent of the damage, with burn marks visible along the exterior and significant interior destruction.
Governor Shapiro declined to comment on which of his children were present during the attack but emphasized the emotional impact of the timing:
“No one will deter me or my family or any Pennsylvanian from celebrating their faith openly and proudly.”
Suspect Has Criminal Record, Faces Federal Charges
Balmer has a criminal history that includes forgery, theft, and an open assault case from 2023. At a Sunday press conference, District Attorney Fran Chardo confirmed that federal terrorism charges are also being considered, and the FBI has offered resources in the investigation.
A $10,000 reward has been offered for any information related to the incident, as officials continue a multi-agency investigation.
National Leaders Respond
Vice President JD Vance called the attack a “really disgusting act of violence,” and expressed relief that the Shapiro family was safe. President Donald Trump, when asked aboard Air Force One, said he had “just heard about it” and would “have to look into it.”
Neighbors expressed shock and concern, particularly over the religious and symbolic significance of the timing.
“It chokes me up,” said Beth Beene, who lives nearby. “That this happened on a high religious holiday, specifically with our Jewish governor, is really scary.”
Governor Shapiro, a Democrat and former state attorney general, has been viewed as a rising figure on the national stage. Sunday’s attack underscores the rising threats public officials face — and the deeply personal and political dimensions of such violence.
“I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other,” Shapiro said. “It is not OK and it has to stop.”
