Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence was severely damaged in a suspected arson attack. A 38-year-old man, Cody Balmer, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. The attack occurred when Shapiro woke up in the middle of the night to find authorities banging on his door as a fire spread. Shapiro and his family were able to evacuate unharmed, but their home in Harrisburg sustained significant damage.

Before the fire, Shapiro and his family had celebrated the first night of Passover at home. The governor stated that he would not be trapped by the attack and that the suspect’s motives were unknown. Police Deputy Commissioner George Bivens reported that the suspect, who had a homemade incendiary device, was arrested in the Harrisburg area. Authorities believe that the suspect hopped a fence surrounding the home and entered to start the blaze, which is still under investigation.

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, a 29,000 sq ft Georgian-style home from 1968 that has housed eight governors, sustained significant damage due to the fire. Shapiro has served as Pennsylvania’s governor since 2023, after serving as the state’s attorney general.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgp6zeymevo