Suspect Arrested in Arson Attack on Jewish Governor’s Home: “If It Was Meant to Intimidate—It Failed”

On the first night of Passover (Saturday night into Sunday), the home of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was set on fire while the governor and his family were asleep following the Seder celebration. The family was safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. Pennsylvania State Police have arrested a suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, in connection with the arson.

Charged with Attempted Murder and Terror Offenses

According to authorities, Balmer, 38, allegedly jumped the fence surrounding the governor’s residence, broke into the home, and set it on fire at approximately 2:00 a.m. The motive behind the attack has not yet been disclosed. Law enforcement stated that Balmer is expected to face charges including attempted murder, aggravated arson, terrorism-related offenses, and assault against a public official.

“We Celebrated Our Faith and We Will Continue to Do So”

Governor Shapiro, a Conservative, observant Jew, issued a statement:
“If this act was meant to intimidate us—it failed. We celebrated our faith with pride, and we will continue to do so tonight at the second Seder.”

“Last Night, They Protected Us”

Shapiro shared on his Twitter account:
“Around 2:00 a.m. last night, my family and I awoke to the sound of Pennsylvania State Police knocking on our door, after the governor’s residence in Harrisburg was set on fire by an intruder.”

Extensive fire damage inside Pennsylvania Governor’s residence after arson attack overnight, seen here in a series of photos provided by @GovernorShapiro officers. pic.twitter.com/06CxpY3d79

— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) April 13, 2025

He praised the swift response of law enforcement and credited them with saving his family’s lives, expressing gratitude on their behalf:

“Every day, we stand with those in uniform who protect our communities. Last night—they protected us.”

Last night at the Governor’s Residence, we experienced an attack not just on our family, but on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

This kind of violence has become far too common in our society, and it has to stop. pic.twitter.com/5HP5JSvgfc

— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 13, 2025