Local lawmakers are appalled at an arson attack that took place at the mansion where Gov. Josh Shapiro lives over the weekend.
State Sen. Marty Flynn, D-22, Dunmore called the attack “disgusting.”
“It’s just sad the governor has to go through this at this time, especially celebrating a holiday and then have this happen in his sleep,” Flynn commented. “Terrible.”
Flynn said he was having trouble making sense of the man’s statement.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro pauses during a news conference at the governor’s official residence discussing the alleged arson that forced him, his family and guests to flee in the middle of the night on the Jewish holiday of Passover, Sunday, Apr. 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy)
A fire-damaged room in the Pennsylvania governor’s residence in Harrisburg, where authorities say a man committed arson early Sunday, April 13, 2025. The fire forced Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family to be evacuated from the residence. (Commonwealth Media Services)
Charred wood trim and brick are visible at the Pennsylvania governor’s official residence after a man was arrested in the alleged arson that forced Gov. Shapiro, his family and guests to flee in the middle of the night on the Jewish holiday of Passover, Sunday, Apr. 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy)
A fire-damaged room in the Pennsylvania governor’s residence in Harrisburg, where authorities say a man committed arson early Sunday, April 13, 2025. The fire forced Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family to be evacuated from the residence. (Commonwealth Media Services)
A fire-damaged room in the Pennsylvania governor’s residence in Harrisburg, where authorities say a man committed arson early Sunday, April 13, 2025. The fire forced Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family to be evacuated from the residence. (Commonwealth Media Services)
“It seems very scatterbrained,” he said. “What radicalized this person, what prompted them to do this, it’s hard to unwind, it takes time and you can’t jump to conclusions.”
Flynn was relieved no one was injured.
“We’re just glad everybody’s safe and nothing happened, and the state police figured out what was going on,” Flynn said.
Shattered windows and a charred door are visible signs of the vicious arson attack initiated on Friday night, while Shapiro and his family slept in their beds following a Passover Seder.
Police said Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, allegedly scaled a 7-foot protective fence, broke into the historic, regal residence and set fire to the interior using Molotov cocktails, per a report from the Dauphin County District Attorney’s office, which included the man’s confession. Shapiro and his family and guests were awakened by state police at 2 a.m. who helped them escape to safety.
Balmer was apprehended and charged with attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, and terrorism.
State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-121, Wilkes-Barre said this kind of attack is “just insane.”
“There’s confusion, there’s distrust, there’s so much misinformation, there’s anger, because of the fact that there’s dissatisfaction in the country,” Pashinksi said. “The insanity about anyone that may be challenging the president, that this kind of stuff would take place is just insane.”
He added that the attack is indicative of a larger dilemma.
“A lot of folks that need help out there, and I don’t know who this individual is, but you’re obviously not someone who is mentally stable to go ahead and do something like that,” he said. “It’s a crazy world.”
Pashinski was frustrated by the meaningless of the act.
“Why did this guy do this? Is it because Shapiro’s a Democrat? Is it because he’s Jewish? Is it because he spoke against a Trump edict?” he said, referring to suit filed by Shapiro regarding federal funds promised to Pennsylvania then slated for removal following administrative changes.
State Rep. Jim Haddock, D-118, Pittston Twp. expressed his deep gratitude that the governor, his family, their pets and friends were safe following the attack.
“We’re so grateful, first and foremost, the governor, his wife Lori and his children were able to escape unharmed,” he said, adding the attack was “more than arson,” and called the attack attempted murder.
“It’s sad, no elected official should be threatened with violence or harm. And in this case, this person went after his wife and his children.” Haddock added his thoughts and prayers were with the governor and his family, and expressed relief that the perpetrator was apprehended.
He said the Democratic caucus is now on “high alert,” and that they will review safety protocols following the attack.
State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-114, Waverly Twp. called the attack, “quite shocking.”
“It’s a horrifying act of arson,” Kosierowski said. “There was an attempt to murder the family and that’s not OK.”
She also expressed gratitude to the Pennsylvania State Police, and added her disbelief over attack.
“You can’t celebrate in your home and feel safe?” Kosierowski added. “It’s a miracle and we’re grateful no one was injured.”
In a statement via e-mail to the Times-Tribune, David Argall, R-29, of Rush Twp. offered an updated comment.
“Yesterday’s attack on the Pennsylvania Governor’s mansion is extremely disturbing and I’m thankful that Governor’s Shapiro and his family are safe,” Argall shared. “I hope the perpetrator of this horrifying crime is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
On Sunday, state Sens. Rob Bresnahan, R-8, of Dallas Twp., and Rosemary Brown, R-40, of Middle Smithfield Twp. issued statements via social media on their X accounts.
Bresnahan’s post called the attack partisan-fueled.
“I’m glad @GovernorShapiro and his family are safe,” Bresnahan said, tagging the governor in his post. “Violent attacks against anyone for their political belief, no matter what side of the aisle, is completely abhorrent and unacceptable. Those responsible must be brought to justice.”
Brown’s post also condemned the attack.
“I am deeply troubled to learn that the Governor’s Residence was the target of an act of arson last night,” Brown said. “My thoughts are with the Governor, First Lady, and their children during this deeply unsettling time. This attack is especially concerning as it comes during the first night of Passover — a sacred time of reflection and resilience.” Brown added relief that the family was unharmed, and offered confidence in authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.