HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a fire at the Governor’s Residence that occurred early Sunday morning and has been determined to be arson.
Members of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded to the residence on North Front Street at approximately 2:00 a.m. on April 13, 2025, following reports of a fire.
The blaze caused significant damage to a portion of the building before being successfully extinguished.
Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were present in a different part of the residence when the fire broke out. They were safely evacuated without injuries.
“Last night at about 2AM, my family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg,” Shapiro said in a statement. “Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished.”
The governor expressed gratitude to the emergency responders, stating, “Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities. Last night, they did so for our family – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.”
Pennsylvania State Police Troop H was leading a multi-agency investigation into the incident, which has now concluded with an arrest.
Officials announced Sunday that Cody Balmer, 38, has been arrested and will be charged with arson and attempted murder for intentionally setting fire to Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in Harrisburg.
Shapiro, who was at the home with his family at the time of the fire, addressed the incident during a Sunday press conference.
