Man Arrested for Arson Attack on Governor's Mansion in Pennsylvania

Authorities in Pennsylvania have taken into custody a 38-year-old man from Harrisburg, identified as Cody Balmer, who is accused of igniting a fire at the governor's mansion during the night when Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were asleep. The incident prompted an emergency evacuation early on Sunday, as the blaze caused significant damage to the property.

Balmer reportedly broke into the mansion after jumping a fence and used homemade devices to start the fire. Once the fire was set, he fled the scene but was apprehended later that day in Harrisburg. He is likely to face serious charges including attempted murder, arson, and terrorism. As of the latest reports, law enforcement has not revealed any details regarding Balmer’s motivation for the attack.

During a press conference held outside the damaged mansion, Governor Shapiro addressed the media, noting that the FBI has joined the investigation into the incident. The lingering smell of smoke served as a stark reminder of the unfortunate event, with witness accounts highlighting the visible damage, including broken windows and charred walls where the fire occurred.