Man tries to burn down Jewish governor Josh Shapiro’s house on first night of Pesach - The Jewish Chronicle

A 38-year-old man has been arrested after a suspected arson attack at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, hours after Governor Josh Shapiro and his family marked the first night of Passover on Saturday.

Cody Balmer, of Harrisburg, faces charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault. In an interview with Pennsylvania state troopers, Balmer admitted starting the fire.

Police say he used a homemade incendiary device and gained access to the residence by climbing over a fence.

Governor Shapiro, a Democrat and one of the most prominent Jewish politicians in the US, was at home with his wife Lori and their four children—Sophia, Jonah, Max and Reuben—when the fire began during the early hours of Sunday morning.

At a news conference on Sunday, Shapiro described himself as "obviously emotional" as he recounted the events. The Democrat and his family escaped unharmed, though their home in Harrisburg was left severely damaged.

“I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempted to put on me by attacking us as they did last night,” Mr Shapiro said at a press conference after the incident.

Last night at the Governor’s Residence, we experienced an attack not just on our family, but on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

This kind of violence has become far too common in our society, and it has to stop. pic.twitter.com/5HP5JSvgfc
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 13, 2025

The attack came after the family had celebrated the first night of Pesach. Police in Harrisburg say they believe Balmer climbed over a fence surrounding the residence and entered the property to start the blaze. Police found beer bottles full of petrol and a smashed window at the scene and matched a jacket owned by Balmer to one seen on CCTV footage of the attack.

“Last night, we experienced an attack, not just on our family, but on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" said Shapiro, who added that the support of the community was helping to “lift up” his family in “this moment of darkness.

It is not known whether there was an antisemitic motive for the attack.

The fire was extinguished by the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire while police focused on evacuating the family. The governor and his family were in a separate part of the 29,000 sq ft brick residence at the time in Harrisburg. The Georgian-style home from 1968 has housed eight governors.

Extensive fire damage to the Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion and Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence (Image: Getty)Getty Images

Deputy Police Commissioner George Bivens confirmed the suspect was arrested in the area and remains in custody. Authorities had offered a $10,000 (£7600) reward for information, but it is not known if a tip led to the arrest.

“Thank God no one was injured,” Mr Shapiro posted on X.

Shapiro has served as governor since 2023, following a term as Pennsylvania’s attorney general.

He was previously considered a potential running mate for Kamala Harris during her 2024 presidential bid.

Topics:

United States

Crime

Passover