by Alexa Southard
Sun, April 13th 2025 at 7:36 PM
Updated Mon, April 14th 2025 at 8:00 PM
Photos of Governor Shapiro and the Governor’s Residence as the arson investigation unfolded on April 13, 2025. (Pennsylvania State Police)
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — New photos show the extensive damage to the Governor’s Mansion in Harrisburg after an arsonist set it on fire Sunday morning.
Police allege that 38-year-old Harrisburg resident Cody Balmer hopped the fence and used “homemade incendiary devices” to set the dining room ablaze.
READ MORE |Harrisburg man charged in connection to arson at Governor Shapiro’s mansion
That dining room is where the Governor celebrated Passover with his family just hours before.
Many are questioning a connection to a hate crime considering the Governor was celebrating the Jewish holiday, but that has not been confirmed by officials.
A number of public officials condemned what troopers are now calling an act of terrorism.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | ‘Violence is never acceptable’: Local leaders react to arson at PA Governor’s mansion
Balmer is charged with the following:
- Terrorism
- Attempted murder
- Aggravated arson
- Aggravated assault against an enumerated person
GALLERY | Photos show damage done to PA Governor’s mansion after early morning arson
Governor Shapiro held a press conference alongside Pennsylvania State Police to announce the charges and give details on the attack.
CBS 21 will be bringing continuing coverage on all platforms of this breaking news.
