Cody Balmer Arrested After Arson Attack Causes Significant Damage to Pennsylvania Governor's Residence, No Injuries Reported

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were forced to evacuate their official residence in Harrisburg early Sunday morning after an arson attack. The fire, which caused significant damage to the mansion, occurred at around 2 a.m. shortly after the family celebrated the first night of Passover with a Seder. Governor Shapiro expressed gratitude for the safety of his family and condemned the act of violence. Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old man from Harrisburg, was arrested in connection with the arson. He faces charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. Balmer allegedly scaled a security fence, broke into the residence using a hammer, and used Molotov cocktails made from beer bottles and gasoline to start the fire. He admitted to harboring hatred towards Governor Shapiro and stated he would have used the hammer to attack the governor if confronted. The attack has prompted a security review at the governor's residence, and investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the arson. Governor Shapiro emphasized the need to address the increasing prevalence of such violent acts in society, noting that no one was injured in the incident.