Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – In a shocking incident, a man broke into the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion in the middle of the night, setting a fire that caused significant damage. This act forced Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family, and guests to evacuate during the Jewish holiday of Passover. Fortunately, firefighters were able to extinguish the fire early Sunday morning, with no injuries reported.

The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, 38, was arrested later that day after turning himself in to police. According to court documents released Monday, Balmer admitted to authorities that he planned to harm Gov. Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if he found him. This incident raised concerns about security protocols at the governor’s residence in Harrisburg, with authorities investigating how someone could break in undetected.

Authorities shared that Balmer bypassed security measures by scaling an iron fence monitored by cameras. Upon breaking into the residence, Balmer set a fire using a homemade incendiary device in a room used for entertaining and displaying art. The fire caused extensive damage to the room, including charring walls, tables, and a piano, leaving a scene of destruction in its wake.

Balmer now faces charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. He had harbored animosity towards Gov. Shapiro, as revealed by a police affidavit. Balmer has a history of criminal charges, including assault and theft, raising questions about his motives and mental state during the attack on the governor’s mansion.

Gov. Shapiro, a rising Democratic star in Pennsylvania, was celebrating Passover at the residence with his family and guests when the incident occurred. His outspoken commitment to his Jewish faith has been a central theme in his political career, emphasizing the importance of family and faith in his life.

The attack on the governor’s mansion during the sacred holiday of Passover shocked the community, prompting reflections on security measures and the underlying motivations behind such a brazen act. As authorities continue to investigate the incident, the safety and well-being of public officials remain a top priority in Harrisburg.