Closed door helped save Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family in arson attack on their home
Share and Follow

Authorities in Cumberland County say a 24-year-old man was arrested early Monday after he allegedly broke into the historic, three-story home and started two fires in the basement. Shapiro, his wife, and their four children were asleep on the third floor when they were alerted by smoke detectors.

Cody Balmer, 38, is accused of using homemade Molotov cocktails to set Shapiro’s official residence alight early Sunday in the state capital of Harrisburg — torching an entire room and causing millions of dollars in damage.

Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline said that if the door in question had been left open, there is no telling what may have unfolded.

If the door in question had been left open, Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline said “it would have definitely put the governor at even greater risk.”

The door’s closure partly helped to contain the flames and prevented them from tearing down a hallway more rapidly — essentially giving the Shapiros time to escape, Enterline told reporters on Monday.

Shapiro, his wife, their four kids and another family were sleeping when the suspect was caught on surveillance cameras allegedly scaling an iron security fence, smashing a window of the mansion’s piano room with a hammer and tossing a Molotov cocktail inside.

He then smashed his way inside and ignited the dining room before fleeing, cops said.

As the flames took hold, the governor said he was awoken by a state trooper banging on his bedroom door at around 2 a.m.

Shapiro, his family, pets and guests were all rushed to safety.

The fire left significant damage to the grand room — charring walls, tables, buffet serving dishes, plates and a piano. 

Enterline has estimated the damage could be in the millions.

Balmer turned himself into cops in the aftermath, allegedly confessing that he “harbored hatred” against the Democratic governor and would have beaten him with the hammer if he’d encountered him inside.

He was slapped with a slew of charges, including attempted murder, arson, burglary and terrorism intended to coerce “the conduct of a government.”

The suspect was denied bail during his initial court hearing on Monday.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Things to do on New Year's Eve: Chicago-area residents prepare to celebrate end of 2025 with big events, parties, at home

Unforgettable New Year’s Eve 2025: Chicago’s Top Events, Parties, and Home Celebrations

CHICAGO – As the year draws to a close, people across the…
Iowa vs. Vanderbilt prediction, picks: Odds, best bet for ReliaQuest Bowl

ReliaQuest Bowl 2023: Expert Predictions and Top Betting Odds for Iowa vs. Vanderbilt Showdown

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Maria Shriver leads emotional family tributes to Tatiana Schlossberg

Maria Shriver Honors Tatiana Schlossberg with Heartfelt Family Tributes

Heartfelt tributes are pouring in following the tragic passing of Tatiana Schlossberg,…
Europe's skiing 'ghost resorts': How hundreds of slopes lie abandoned due to lack of snow as videos show bare mountains

Unveiling Europe’s Abandoned Ski Resorts: A Haunting Journey Through Forgotten Winter Wonderlands

Hundreds of European ski slopes have been left deserted, transforming into ‘ghost…
Body found in search for Texas teen who vanished on a Christmas walk

Tragic Discovery: Body Found in Search for Missing Texas Teen Who Disappeared on Christmas Walk

A tragic development has emerged in the search for a missing Texas…
The Wire star Isiah Whitlock Jr. dies at 71

Remembering Isiah Whitlock Jr.: A Legacy of Iconic Performances and Unforgettable Roles

Renowned actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., celebrated for his memorable catchphrase in the…
Minnesota's new Medicaid fraud prevention fix won't make 'any difference,' former FBI agent says

Ex-FBI Agent Critiques Effectiveness of Minnesota’s Latest Medicaid Fraud Prevention Plan

Minnesota is ramping up efforts to secure its Medicaid payments by introducing…
Slender Man stabber Morgan Geyser is arrested

Breaking News: Slender Man Case Update – Morgan Geyser’s Return to Psychiatric Care After Escape

A Wisconsin judge has mandated that Morgan Geyser, who was convicted in…