On Sunday night police introduced they arrested 38-year-old Cody Balmer in reference to the fireplace set to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion.
“Balmer might be charged with tried homicide, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault in opposition to an enumerated particular person,” Fox Information reported.
As TGP reported earlier, an arsonist allegedly set fireplace to the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence whereas Governor Josh Shapiro and his household have been asleep inside.
The incident occurred round 2 a.m., prompting a swift response from the Pennsylvania State Police, who safely evacuated the household from the residence.
Shapiro’s full assertion Sunday morning:
“Final evening at about 2AM, my household and I woke as much as bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fireplace to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fireplace was on the scene and whereas they labored to place out the fireplace, we have been evacuated from the Residence safely by Pennsylvania State Police and assisted by Capitol Police. Thank God nobody was injured and the fireplace was extinguished.
On daily basis, we stand with the regulation enforcement and first responders who run in the direction of hazard to guard our communities. Final evening, they did so for our household – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for protecting us protected.
@PAStatePolice is on the scene main this investigation and can hold the general public up to date.”
Final evening at about 2AM, my household and I woke as much as bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fireplace to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fireplace was on the scene and whereas they labored to place out the fireplace, we have been…
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 13, 2025
Throughout a Sunday night presser, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens mentioned Balmer hopped a fence earlier than beginning the fireplace.
“He actively evaded troopers who have been right here to safe the residence,” Bivens mentioned. “Whereas [law enforcement] have been looking is when he attacked on the residence, broke in and set the fires.”
“In order that was all taking part in out over a interval of a number of minutes. It was a really fast occasion that occurred, and, and once more, troopers have been actively looking for him on the time,” Bivens mentioned.
Governor Shapiro denounced the assault in the course of the presser.
“This sort of violence is changing into far too frequent in our society,” Shapiro said. “And I don’t give a rattling if it’s coming from one specific facet or the opposite, directed at one specific celebration or one other, or one specific particular person or one other. It isn’t okay and it has to cease. We have now to be higher than this.”
Watch the complete presser right here:
