Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family experienced a harrowing night when an intruder breached their official residence in Harrisburg during Passover celebrations.
According to NewsNation, a 38-year-old man named Cody Balmer allegedly planned to assault Governor Shapiro with a hammer while setting fire to the mansion's south wing using Molotov cocktails in the early hours of Sunday.
The incident unfolded around 2 a.m. EDT when Shapiro awoke to loud banging sounds at his door. The governor, along with his family members and a guest who were present for Passover seder earlier that evening, managed to evacuate safely from the burning residence.
Court documents revealed disturbing details about the suspect's premeditated attack. Balmer reportedly scaled the property's fence and broke into the grounds, aware that the governor and his family would likely be home during the religious holiday.
The attacker employed incendiary devices to ignite multiple areas of the mansion's south wing. Emergency responders arrived promptly after receiving reports of the fire, though the suspect initially evaded capture.
The fire caused extensive damage to rooms where the Shapiro family had hosted their Passover celebration just hours before the attack. Local fire crews worked quickly to contain and extinguish the blaze.
During a press conference at the damaged residence, Shapiro spoke about the broader implications of such attacks. The 51-year-old Democratic governor emphasized the concerning trend of political violence.
Governor Shapiro stated:
This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. It is inappropriate regardless of the party or individual at which it was directed.
The incident has sparked discussions about security measures at government buildings and the safety of public officials. Law enforcement agencies are reviewing protocols to prevent similar breaches.
After the attack, Balmer voluntarily turned himself in to local authorities. He was subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment of an unrelated medical condition.
Prosecutors have filed multiple serious charges against the suspect. These include attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, terrorism, and aggravated assault.
Additional charges of reckless endangerment, loitering, and prowling at nighttime have also been filed. Balmer remains in custody awaiting arraignment.
The targeted assault on Pennsylvania's executive mansion marks a significant escalation in threats against public officials. The incident occurred at the historic residence on North Front Street in Harrisburg, causing substantial damage to the building's structure. The Harrisburg Fire Department's swift response prevented the fire from spreading to other sections of the mansion. Investigation teams continue to assess the full extent of the damage while security measures undergo comprehensive review.
