Blaze of Hate: Arson Attack Targets Pennsylvania Governor’s Home During Passover Celebration!

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Arson Attack Targets Pennsylvania Governor’s Home

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In a shocking act of violence, the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg was set ablaze in a suspected arson attack at approximately 2 a.m.

on April 13, 2025, just hours after Governor Josh Shapiro and his family celebrated the first night of Passover. The brazen assault forced the Shapiro family—including the governor, his wife Lori, their four children, and two dogs—to evacuate under the protection of the Pennsylvania State Police as flames tore through the historic mansion along the Susquehanna River.

Arson Attack Targets Pennsylvania Governor’s Home During Passover Celebration!

The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded swiftly, extinguishing the blaze, but not before it caused significant damage to parts of the 29,000-square-foot Georgian-style residence, which has housed Pennsylvania governors since 1968. Photos released by authorities reveal charred furniture, shattered windows, and a Passover Seder table left in ruins—a haunting reminder of the celebration that took place mere hours earlier.

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Authorities arrested 38-year-old Cody Balmer of Harrisburg later that day, charging him with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and assault.

According to Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens, Balmer scaled a security fence, evaded troopers, and used homemade incendiary devices to ignite the fire in a “methodical” and “planned” attack. While the motive remains unclear, the timing of the incident—coinciding with Passover—has raised concerns about possible hate-driven intent, though Governor Shapiro deferred to ongoing federal and state investigations for answers.

Speaking at an emotional press conference outside the damaged residence, Shapiro condemned the act, declaring, “This kind of violence is not OK. It’s becoming far too common in our society, and it has to stop.”

He emphasized his resolve to continue his duties and celebrate his Jewish faith, stating, “If this individual was trying to deter me from doing my job, I’ll work even harder. If he was trying to terrorize our family or the Jewish community, hear me: we celebrated our faith last night proudly, and we will celebrate our second Seder tonight, proudly.”

Public figures across the political spectrum rallied in support of the Shapiro family. Former Republican Governor Tom Ridge called the attack “heartbreaking” and “shocking,” while Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Greg Rothman denounced the violence, saying, “There is no place for arson and destruction in our society.” The Legislative Jewish Caucus expressed alarm, noting the “fear and anxiety reverberating through Jewish communities” given the attack’s timing.

The incident has sparked a security review at the Governor’s Residence, with State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris describing the investigation as “very active and dynamic.” The FBI, under Director Kash Patel, has pledged federal resources to assist, and a $10,000 reward had been offered for information leading to an arrest prior to Balmer’s apprehension.

As Pennsylvania grapples with this alarming act, Shapiro’s message resonates: “We have to be better than this.” The governor and his family remain safe, but the scars of this attack—both physical and emotional—will linger as the investigation unfolds.

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