Sure! Here's a rewritten version: **Man Arrested for Allegedly Setting Fire to Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence: What We Know So Far**
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Sure! Here’s a rewritten, streamlined version of the article with a clear and cohesive narrative while preserving the key details:
Harrisburg Man Charged After Allegedly Setting Fire to Governor Shapiro’s Home
A Harrisburg man is facing multiple charges after allegedly breaking into the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro early Sunday morning and setting a fire while the governor, his family, and guests were asleep inside.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, 38-year-old Cody Balmer scaled a fence, smashed two windows with a hammer, and entered the home, where he used homemade incendiary devices to ignite a fire. The incident occurred just hours after the Shapiro family hosted a Passover Seder.
Governor Shapiro, his wife Lori, their four children, two dogs, and another visiting family were safely evacuated by police. Though the home suffered significant damage, no injuries were reported.
Balmer turned himself in later that day and has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated arson, terrorism, and other offenses. Authorities say he admitted to harboring hatred toward Shapiro and confessed that, had he encountered the governor inside, he would have attacked him with a hammer.
Court documents state Balmer used gasoline siphoned from a lawnmower to fill beer bottles, creating Molotov cocktails, which he threw inside the residence. After starting the fire, he fled the scene. A woman identifying herself as Balmer’s ex-partner contacted police, saying he confessed to her before surrendering.
Shapiro and his family were alerted to the fire shortly after 2 a.m. by a state trooper pounding on the door. Fire crews responded quickly and extinguished the flames. State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said Balmer was inside the residence for less than a minute and had a “methodical plan,” adding a full security review is underway.
Photos released by state officials show scorched interiors, damaged windows and doors, and remnants of the previous night’s Seder, including a sign reading “Passover Crafts.” The residence, a 29,000-square-foot Georgian-style mansion along the Susquehanna River, has housed governors since 1968 and also serves as a gallery for state art.
Speaking at a press conference Sunday, an emotional Shapiro called the act “an attack not just on my family, but on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” He condemned political violence and vowed not to be intimidated.
“If this individual was trying to deter me from doing my job as your governor, rest assured, I will work even harder,” Shapiro said. He also emphasized pride in his Jewish faith, saying the family would continue with their second night of Passover celebrations despite the attack.
Balmer’s arrest comes just days before a scheduled plea hearing in a separate 2023 assault case. He also has a prior conviction from 2016 for forgery and theft by deception. Federal charges may also be forthcoming, and the FBI’s Philadelphia office is assisting with the investigation.
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