In the early hours of Sunday morning, as the Jewish holiday of Passover began, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were jolted awake by state troopers pounding on their door.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, as the Jewish holiday of Passover began, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were jolted awake by state troopers pounding on their door. An arsonist had breached security at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, setting fire to a portion of the historic mansion while the family slept.
“We woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the governor’s residence,” Shapiro recounted during a Sunday afternoon press conference, visibly emotional but resolute. The governor, his wife Lori, their four children, and guests who had joined them for their Passover Seder were safely evacuated. No injuries were reported, though the fire caused “significant damage” to the residence.
Hours after the attack, authorities arrested 38-year-old Cody Balmer of Harrisburg. According to Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens, Balmer allegedly jumped the fence surrounding the property, “actively evaded troopers” who were searching for him, and forcibly entered the residence with what officials described as “homemade incendiary devices.” Bivens noted the suspect was “very methodical in his approach” and was inside the residence for less than a minute before fleeing.
Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo announced his office is preparing charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. Court documents released Monday revealed Balmer was “harboring hatred” against the governor, though authorities have not yet disclosed a specific motive for the attack.
A Celebration Turned to Terror
The timing of the attack carries particular significance. Just hours earlier, Shapiro, who is Jewish, had shared photos on social media of his family’s Passover Seder table, writing, “From the Shapiro family’s Seder table to yours, happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach!”
At the press conference, Shapiro drew a poignant connection between the holiday and the attack. “When we were in the state dining room last night β gathered with the community and family and friends β we told the story of Passover,” he said. “It’s a story of going from bondage, from slavery into freedom. I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempts to put on me by attacking us, as they did here last night.”
Photos from inside the residence show charred furniture, including a piano and dining tables still set with Passover dishes, offering a stark visual of celebration violently interrupted.
A Call to End Political Violence
While investigators have not yet determined whether the attack was motivated by antisemitism or political animus, Shapiro used the moment to deliver an impassioned plea against political violence.
“This type of violence is not OK! This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society,” he declared. “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 attack comes amid heightened concerns about threats against public officials. In late 2023, another Pennsylvania man was arrested and charged with threatening to assault Shapiro.
The governor, who has emerged as one of the most prominent Democratic state leaders in the country and was reportedly on the shortlist as a potential vice presidential candidate in the 2024 election, said the attack would not deter him from his duties or from practicing his faith.
“We celebrated our faith last night proudly. And in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover again, proudly,” Shapiro affirmed. “No one will deter me or my family or any Pennsylvanian from celebrating their faith openly and proudly.”
National Response
The attack prompted bipartisan condemnation from national leaders. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was “saddened and deeply disturbed” by the attack, while Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman called it “truly appalling.” Republican Senator Thom Tillis and Representative Mike Lawler also expressed relief that the governor and his family were safe, with Lawler emphasizing there’s “no place for violence in our political system. Ever.”
FBI Director Kash Patel has promised “all of the resources of the federal government” to assist in the investigation, according to Shapiro, who also thanked President Trump for his support.
As Pennsylvania State Police conduct a security review to prevent similar incidents, the attack serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing threats faced by public officials in today’s polarized political climate. For now, Governor Shapiro remains focused on recovery and resilience.
“Your prayers lift us up,” he told the public. “We appreciate the light that you have shined upon us.”