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A 38-year-old man has been taken into custody and is set to face charges linked to an alleged arson attack on the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, as per authorities' reports. Cody Balmer is expected to face serious charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. The arrest took place only hours after Shapiro, a prominent Democratic figure often mentioned as a potential candidate for future presidential elections, awoke to the sound of law enforcement knocking on his door amid a blaze engulfing his home.
During a press event, Shapiro expressed his emotional state, reflecting on the harrowing experience. Fortunately, he and his family were able to escape unscathed, although significant damage was inflicted upon their residence located in Harrisburg, the state capital. "I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempted to put on me by attacking us as they did last night," he stated during his remarks to the media.
Earlier, on the evening prior to the fire, Shapiro and his family had indulged in a Passover celebration at their residence. He recounted having shared the traditional story of the holiday in their state dining room. As for Balmer's intentions, they currently remain unclear.
Police Deputy Commissioner George Bivens conveyed that Balmer possessed a homemade incendiary device at the time of his arrest in the Harrisburg area. Investigators suspect that he was able to jump a fence surrounding the governor's home, enabling him to ignite the fire, which is still under investigation.
The fire department was able to extinguish the blaze, but officials noted "a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence." Fortunately, the Shapiro family was on the opposite side of the house when the fire was started. Working in concert, the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire extinguished the flames while local police focused on ensuring the safety of the governor and his family.
Authorities previously announced a $10,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest connected to the incident, though it remains unclear if such a tip contributed to Balmer's capture. Currently held in custody, his motives are still being scrutinized.
Governor Shapiro, who assumed office in 2023 after serving as the state attorney general, resides in the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence, a Georgian-style building that spans 29,000 square feet and has been home to eight previous governors.
A 38-year-old man has been taken into custody and is set to face charges linked to an alleged arson attack on the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, as per authorities' reports. Cody Balmer is expected to face serious charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. The arrest took place only hours after Shapiro, a prominent Democratic figure often mentioned as a potential candidate for future presidential elections, awoke to the sound of law enforcement knocking on his door amid a blaze engulfing his home.
During a press event, Shapiro expressed his emotional state, reflecting on the harrowing experience. Fortunately, he and his family were able to escape unscathed, although significant damage was inflicted upon their residence located in Harrisburg, the state capital. "I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempted to put on me by attacking us as they did last night," he stated during his remarks to the media.
Earlier, on the evening prior to the fire, Shapiro and his family had indulged in a Passover celebration at their residence. He recounted having shared the traditional story of the holiday in their state dining room. As for Balmer's intentions, they currently remain unclear.
Police Deputy Commissioner George Bivens conveyed that Balmer possessed a homemade incendiary device at the time of his arrest in the Harrisburg area. Investigators suspect that he was able to jump a fence surrounding the governor's home, enabling him to ignite the fire, which is still under investigation.
The fire department was able to extinguish the blaze, but officials noted "a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence." Fortunately, the Shapiro family was on the opposite side of the house when the fire was started. Working in concert, the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire extinguished the flames while local police focused on ensuring the safety of the governor and his family.
Authorities previously announced a $10,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest connected to the incident, though it remains unclear if such a tip contributed to Balmer's capture. Currently held in custody, his motives are still being scrutinized.
Governor Shapiro, who assumed office in 2023 after serving as the state attorney general, resides in the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence, a Georgian-style building that spans 29,000 square feet and has been home to eight previous governors.
