Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Escapes With Family as Home Catches Fire | US News
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family had to evacuate their home during Passover after an alleged arsonist ignited a fire at their residence, according to authorities.
Mr. Shapiro, a Democrat viewed as a potential contender for his party’s presidential nomination in 2028, recounted that he and his family were awakened around 2 a.m. on Sunday by police knocking on their door due to a fire that was reportedly started at the governor’s residence in Harrisburg.
The Shapiro family, which includes his wife, their four children, and two dogs, along with another family, were safely evacuated while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.
“Thank God no one was hurt,” he expressed in a post on X.
Charred tables and dishes. Pic: AP
A 38-year-old man named Cody Balmer, from Harrisburg, was apprehended later that same day.
He is set to face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault, according to authorities.
Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro. Pic: Reuters
“Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who courageously confront danger to safeguard our communities,” Mr. Shapiro stated on X.
“Last night, they did so for our family – and Lori and I are profoundly grateful to them for ensuring our safety.”
A charred piano, left, is visible inside the governor’s official residence. Pic: AP
The motive of the suspect remains unclear.
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According to police in Pennsylvania, he climbed over a fence surrounding the property while carrying homemade incendiary devices, managed to avoid state troopers long enough to enter the residence, ignite the fire, and subsequently leave.
On Saturday, Mr. Shapiro shared a photo of his family’s “seder” table as they marked the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover.