Headline Roundup • April 14th, 2025
Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro’s House Burned in Suspected Arson
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s house burned early Sunday morning, and police have arrested a suspect.
The Suspect: Later on Sunday, police arrested Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, who reportedly admitted to his girlfriend that he set the fire. He will be charged with attempted homicide, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault against an enumerated person.
The Governor: Governor Shapiro and his family were reportedly awakened by a state trooper around 2 a.m. who warned them of a fire as firefighters extinguished the flames. Shapiro and his family escaped safely, though significant damage was done to the 29,000-square-foot Georgian-style home.
For Context: Saturday was the first night of the Jewish holiday Passover, and Governor Shapiro hosted other members of Harrisburg’s Jewish community in his home Saturday evening. Authorities believe the attack was “targeted” but have not announced a suspected motive. Shapiro has been vocally supportive of Israel and Ukraine, and is seen as a potential Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
How The Media Covered It: Coverage was fairly similar across the spectrum as details emerged later on Sunday night. Speculation swirled on X about Balmer and the suspected motive. Andy Ngo of The Post Millennial (Right bias) shared photos he claimed he was able to verify were of Balmer.
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Featured Coverage of this Story
Commonwealth Media Services
Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and his family were forced to flee from the governor’s official residence early Sunday after an arson attack severely damaged the mansion.
The authorities arrested a man who they said had broken into the mansion in Harrisburg, Pa., and thrown objects into the home that started at least two fires and caused significant damage. No one was injured in the attack.
A 38-year-old man was in custody and will face attempted homicide and aggravated arson charges after setting a fire overnight at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence, state authorities said at a press conference at the governor's mansion in Harrisburg on Sunday.
The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer from Harrisburg, whose motive is still unknown, slipped over a fence around the property carrying homemade incendiary devices and evaded state troopers long enough to enter the residence, set it on fire and leave, said Pennsylvania police officials. He was apprehended shortly before...
A man was arrested after allegedly setting fire to the Pennsylvania governor's mansion as Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside early Sunday morning.
At a press conference Sunday evening, authorities named 38-year-old Cody Balmer as the suspect.
Balmer will be charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault against an enumerated person, according to officials.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens told reporters on Sunday that Balmer hopped a fence before the incident, which took place at around 2:00 a.m.
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