A harrowing night unfolded at the Pennsylvania governor's residence as Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were evacuated following a suspected arson attack during their Passover celebration.
According to Fox News, police arrested 38-year-old Cody Balmer after he allegedly jumped a fence and set fire to the governor's mansion while Shapiro and his family were sleeping inside at around 2:00 a.m. on Sunday.
The incident occurred shortly after the Shapiro family celebrated the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover. State police confirmed that Balmer manufactured homemade incendiary devices before carrying out the attack, which caused significant damage to portions of the residence.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens detailed how Balmer actively evaded troopers who were securing the residence. The suspect managed to break in and start fires while law enforcement conducted their search of the premises.
Authorities have announced multiple charges against Balmer, including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault against an enumerated person. The severity of the charges reflects the serious nature of the attack on a government official's residence.
Law enforcement had initially offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible before apprehending Balmer.
Governor Shapiro addressed the incident during an emotional press conference, emphasizing the growing concern over political violence in American society.
Shapiro said:
This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I don't give a damn if it's coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another, or one particular person or another. It is not okay and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.
The Democratic Governors Association, through Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, expressed particular concern about the timing of the attack, which occurred during the Jewish holiday celebration. Other political figures, including Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Greg Rothman, voiced their support for the governor and his family.
Commonwealth Media Services released images showing extensive fire damage to several rooms in the governor's mansion. The photos revealed destroyed furniture, charred debris, and soot-covered walls throughout affected areas of the residence.
Photos from the scene showed various Jewish religious items among the damaged property, including a placard advertising Passover crafts and papers appearing to show Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem. Despite the significant property damage, first responders successfully contained the fire before it could spread further.
The National Governors Association, led by Governor Jared Polis of Colorado and Vice Chair Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, emphasized the challenges faced by government officials and their families while praising the swift action of emergency personnel.
Cody Balmer's arrest marks a significant development in the investigation of the arson attack that threatened the lives of Governor Shapiro, his family, and mansion staff during their Passover celebration. The incident has sparked renewed discussions about the security of public officials and their families, particularly during religious observances and holidays.
The case will proceed through the Pennsylvania judicial system as authorities continue to investigate the suspect's motives and the full extent of the damage caused to the governor's residence. The attack has united political leaders across party lines in condemning violence against public officials and their families.
