Police: Shapiro Targeted in Planned Arson Attack During Passover/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Authorities say a man broke into Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence and set a fire during Passover, forcing the governor and his family to evacuate. Suspect Cody Balmer reportedly planned to assault Shapiro and is now facing multiple charges, including attempted murder and terrorism. The attack damaged a room used to host a Seder meal just hours earlier.
Arson at Shapiro Residence: Quick Looks
- Incident Timing: Fire set overnight during the Jewish holiday of Passover
- Governor Safe: Josh Shapiro, family, and guests evacuated without injury
- Suspect Identified: Cody Balmer, 38, faces terrorism and arson charges
- Planned Attack: Balmer admitted intent to harm Shapiro, police say
- Security Breach: Suspect scaled 7-foot fence, evaded officers
- Scene Damage: Fire charred walls, windows, furniture, and artwork
- Faith Context: Incident occurred after Shapiro hosted a Passover Seder
- Rising Profile: Shapiro is seen as a 2028 Democratic presidential hopeful
Police: Shapiro Targeted in Planned Arson Attack During Passover
Deep Look
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A man is in custody after allegedly setting a fire at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion early Sunday, triggering the evacuation of Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family, and guests during the Jewish holiday of Passover. Authorities are treating the incident as a planned act of arson and attempted political violence.
The suspect, Cody Balmer, 38, reportedly walked for an hour from his home before scaling a 7-foot iron security fence and entering the southern wing of the mansion. There, he ignited a fire using homemade incendiary devices, according to police affidavits.
The Attack and Arrest
Balmer broke into a formal entertaining space in the residence, a room often used to host receptions and display artwork. Using beer bottles filled with gasoline, he set fire to the room, scorching walls, damaging a piano, buffet serving dishes, and blackening window frames and bricks.
He remained inside for only about a minute before fleeing.
Later that day, he turned himself in to police after an ex-girlfriend contacted authorities, saying he confessed to the crime. During questioning, Balmer admitted he “harbored hatred” toward Gov. Shapiro and planned to beat him with a sledgehammer if he found him.
Charges and Background
Balmer now faces a long list of felony charges, including:
- Attempted murder
- Terrorism
- Aggravated arson
- Aggravated assault
Court documents reveal Balmer has a history of criminal activity, including prior convictions for theft and forgery. He also faces unresolved simple assault charges from 2023.
Balmer was hospitalized for an unrelated medical issue after his arrest. He remains under state police supervision and will be transferred to Dauphin County Jail upon medical clearance.
Governor Shapiro: Faith and Public Service
Josh Shapiro, 51, is a first-term Democratic governor of Pennsylvania and is widely seen as a rising star in the party. His state — the fifth most populous in the U.S. — is often a decisive battleground in presidential elections.
Shapiro, a practicing Jew, has long emphasized his faith and family values in public life. His 2022 campaign included messages about Sabbath observance and family meals. On Saturday night, he hosted a Passover Seder with his family and members of the Jewish community — in the same room Balmer allegedly targeted hours later.
“Family and faith ground me,” Shapiro has said.
He often quotes the rabbinic teaching: “No one is required to complete the task, but neither are we free to refrain from it.”
Security and Investigation Concerns
Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris called the fire a “carefully planned attack”, though the suspect’s exact motive remains unclear. The fact that Balmer managed to evade security and gain access to the governor’s home has raised serious security questions.
Despite surveillance systems and patrol officers, the suspect was able to breach the perimeter, prompting reviews of existing safety protocols for the residence and its occupants.
Context of Faith and Timing
The attack occurred during Passover, one of the holiest Jewish holidays. Passover commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and the Seder is a traditional meal filled with symbolic foods and stories of liberation.
That symbolism — paired with Shapiro’s public identification with his Jewish identity — has made the incident particularly resonant. The governor has not yet commented publicly on whether he believes his faith played a role in the motive.
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