Man arrested, suspected of arson at Pennsylvania governor's house

By Darren Lyn

HOUSTON, United States (AA) - Police in the US state of Pennsylvania arrested a man Sunday in connection with a suspected arson fire at Gov. Josh Shapiro's house, according to media reports.

Cody Balmer, 38, was taken into custody after the early morning fire at the governor's Harrisburg home, located 100 miles (161 kilometers) west of Philadelphia that caused "a significant amount of damage," said authorities.

Emergency officials said Shapiro, his wife and their four children were safely evacuated along with their two family dogs.

Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police told reporters that Balmer had some "homemade incendiary devices" when he came over a fence around the residence and "forcibly entered" the home before allegedly setting the fire.

"He clearly had a plan," said Bivens. "He was very methodical in his approach."

Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo said he planned to charge Balmer with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault.

The FBI's Philadelphia division is assisting with the investigation and Balmer could also face federal charges.

"If this individual was trying to deter me from doing my job as your governor, rest assured, I will find a way to work even harder than I was," Shapiro, 51, said at a news conference.

The governor said the attack was "targeted" but that a specific motive is still unknown. He also noted the arson took place during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

"If he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community, who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room last night, hear me on this: We celebrated our faith last night proudly, and in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover," Shapiro continued.

"No one will deter me or my family, or any Pennsylvanian from celebrating their faith openly and proudly," he added.

Shapiro said the fire was an attack not just on his family but on "the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" and admitted that while he was worried about his family's safety, he was not going to let it deter him from carrying out his duties as governor.

"I’m not fearful," said Shapiro.