‘THIS TYPE OF VIOLENCE IS NOT OKAY:’ Shapiro condemns attack on Governor’s Residence

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Governor Josh Shapiro condemned political violence in a Sunday afternoon press conference in the wake of an arson attack on the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.

The fire broke out overnight while Shapiro and his family were home.

“This type of violence is not okay,” Shapiro said in the press conference outside the residence. Fire damage was plainly visible behind the podium. “I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another, one particular person or another, it is not okay, and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”

Colonel Christopher Paris said an arrest has been made in the case.

Cody Balmer, 38, is in custody in connection with the incident, Paris said.

Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo said charges are pending against Balmer for attempted murder, aggravated arson, terrorism, among others.

Chardo said Balmer acted “surreptitiously” and gained access to the property by climbing over a fence.

Shapiro and his family were inside the home in a separate section of the residence and were able to evacuate safely after firefighters responded to the North Front Street home around 2 a.m. Sunday morning.

“Right now, I want to be a good father, a good husband, and take care of my family,” Shapiro said. “I’m not fearful. I’m obviously emotional, I’m worried about my family.”

“I refuse to let anyone who has evil intentions like that stop me from doing the work that I love, to stop me from being a leader of this Commonwealth,” Shapiro added. “I will not be deterred in that work and I will not be afraid in that work.”