Man arrested for allegedly trying to kill Pennsylvnia Governor Josh Shapiro, setting mansion on fire

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WPVI) -- A man scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and broke into the Pennsylvania governor's mansion where he set a fire that left significant damage and forced Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family and guests to evacuate the building, authorities said Sunday.

Shapiro said during a press conference that the attack was "targeted."

"We experienced an attack not just on our family, but on the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania," said Gov. Shapiro. "We do know that this attack was targeted."

Shapiro described himself as emotional, but not fearful outside the Governor's residence in Harrisburg Sunday afternoon.

The suspect was identified as 38-year-old Cody Balmer, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Dauphin County DA Fran Chardo said during the press conference.

Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens detailed the alleged attack, saying the suspect came over a fence and actively evaded troopers while they were searching for him on the property.

While they were searching, the suspect broke in and set the fires, according to Bivens, who said the incident played out "over a period of several minutes."

"He actively evaded troopers who were here to secure the residence even while they were searching for him on the property," said Lt. Col. George Bivens. "While they were searching is when he attacked the residence, broke in and set the fires."

The part of the fence Balmer allegedly hopped to get inside the residence was sliced off by investigators so they could test it for DNA, sources familiar told ABC News.

State Police said firefighters responded around 2 a.m. Sunday while police banged on the door to evacuate everyone safely.

Police said it's clear Balmer had a methodical plan and moved quickly. They said he was inside the home in less than a minute.

He made two Molotov cocktails from Heineken bottles he had at home, according to the criminal complaint. He threw them into the mansion after breaking a window with a hammer.

Balmer allegedly told police after turning himself in that he would have attacked Shapiro with the hammer if he happened upon the governor inside the residence, the documents said.

Investigators said they recovered items at Balmer's home matching those used in the attack.

New video shows the destruction where Shapiro, his family, and friends celebrated Passover just hours earlier on Saturday night.

"This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society, and I don't give a damn if it's coming from one particular side or the other," said Shapiro. "It is not okay, and it has to stop."

As detectives review evidence and work to determine a motive, they're digging into Balmer's history.

Sources tell ABC News Balmer is a mechanic who expressed disdain for Democrats, primarily related to financial issues. They're also not ruling Shapiro's Jewish faith as a motivating factor.

Just hours before the fire, the Pennsylvania governor had posted a picture of his family's Passover Seder table on X, writing, "From the Shapiro family's Seder table to yours, happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach!"

Shapiro addressed the possible motive during the conference, saying of the suspect, "If he was trying to terrorize my family, my friends... hear me on this, we celebrated our faith proudly, no one will deter me from celebrating my faith openly and proudly."

"I refuse to let anyone who had evil intentions like that stop me from doing the work that I love, stop me from being a leader of this commonwealth and looking out for all Pennsylvanians," Shapiro said.

He also thanked everyone in the Commonwealth and beyond for their support.

"I want you all to know that your prayers lift us up," said Shapiro. "In this moment of darkness, we are choosing to see light and we appreciate the light you have shined upon us."

Balmer is facing several charges including attempted murder, aggravated arson and terrorism.

Meanwhile, police are reviewing security protocols to keep the governor and his family safe.

Shapiro was elected Pennsylvania governor in 2022 and was considered as a candidate for vice president for 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris before she eventually chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Shapiro served two terms as the state's attorney general before being elected governor.