Arsonist Forces American Jewish Governor, Family to Evacuate Home on Passover

The suspect had planned to beat Shapiro with a hammer if he found him, according to court documents.

By JNS Staff

A man suspected of setting fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion, while Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were sleeping inside overnight Saturday, was arrested.

Shapiro, his wife, Lori, their four children, two dogs and another family were safely evacuated, the governor said.

The incident occurred after the family celebrated the first night of Passover in their home in Harrisburg, Penn.

Photos show part of the mansion completely burned, with walls black with soot and furniture destroyed, including a table that appears to have been where the Passover seder was celebrated.

“Last night at about 2AM, my family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg,” Shapiro wrote on X.

“The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire, we were evacuated from the Residence safely by Pennsylvania State Police and assisted by Capitol Police. Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” the tweet continued.

“Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities. Last night, they did so for our family—and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.”

The 38-year-old suspect, Cody Balmer, is slated to be charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault against an enumerated person.

The suspect had planned to beat Shapiro with a hammer if he found him, according to court documents released on Monday.

Balmer jumped over the residence’s fence carrying homemade incendiary devices, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens told reporters in a press conference on Sunday.

He evidently evaded state troopers who were guarding the residence.

“While [police] were searching is when he attacked at the residence, [and] broke in and set the fires,” continued Bivens. “He clearly had a plan. He was very methodical in his approach.”

The attacker’s motive was still unclear.

Addressing reporters at the same press conference, 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 OK and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”

The governor stressed that he will not be deterred by the arsonist, and will find a way to “work even harder” than before.

“If he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community, who joined us for a Passover seder in that room last night, hear me on this: We celebrated our faith last night, proudly and in a few hours, we will celebrate our second seder of Passover,” he added.

Shapiro, 51, is considered a potential presidential candidate for the Democratic Party in 2028.

Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Greg Rothman condemned the incident, saying, “I know I speak for all Republicans in saying we are grateful that Governor Shapiro, his family and mansion staff are safe.”

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania said, “Whoever did this must be held to the fullest extent of the law.”

Vice President JD Vance described the attack on X as “really disgusting violence. … I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice.”

Send Passover Packages to Needy Israeli Soldiers - Bring Them Joy!

We are honored to thank the young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives every day to protect the citizens of Israel. Soldiers have been in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria for extended periods - many are hoping to come home for Passover.

Join us in sending Passover food packages (and personal notes) to Israeli soldiers and their families.

Many soldiers spend the Passover holiday with needy families back home. The soldiers greatly appreciate your love and concern. Bring them Passover joy!

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