Charred walls, broken windows, and the smouldering remains of Pennsylvania’s governor’s mansion can be seen in dramatic aftermath footage captured hours after a suspected arsonist set fire to the residence while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were asleep inside.
The fire broke out around 2:00 am on Sunday in a separate section of the Georgian-style mansion in Harrisburg. Video from the scene shows scorched brickwork, shattered glass, and heavy fire damage on one side of the building.
The Pennsylvania Police arrested 38-year-old Cody Balmer, who allegedly scaled a fence and used homemade incendiary devices to start the blaze. He faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and terrorism.
Also read: Man arrested for arson, terrorism at Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro’s residence
Governor Shapiro, a potential Democratic vice-presidential pick, said in a statement, “Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” adding that a state trooper helped evacuate his family in time.
Speaking from outside the damaged home, Shapiro warned about the rise in political violence: “It is not okay, and it has to stop.”
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and a criminal complaint is being prepared.
The fire broke out around 2:00 am on Sunday in a separate section of the Georgian-style mansion in Harrisburg. Video from the scene shows scorched brickwork, shattered glass, and heavy fire damage on one side of the building.
The Pennsylvania Police arrested 38-year-old Cody Balmer, who allegedly scaled a fence and used homemade incendiary devices to start the blaze. He faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and terrorism.
This is what’s left of the Pennsylvania Governor’s mansion after a psycho arsonist broke in and set it ablaze with Josh Shapiro and his entire family sleeping inside at 2 am this morning.pic.twitter.com/hPssPCLyxs
— Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin) April 14, 2025
Also read: Man arrested for arson, terrorism at Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro’s residence
Governor Shapiro, a potential Democratic vice-presidential pick, said in a statement, “Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” adding that a state trooper helped evacuate his family in time.
Speaking from outside the damaged home, Shapiro warned about the rise in political violence: “It is not okay, and it has to stop.”
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and a criminal complaint is being prepared.
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