Vice President JD Vance sounded off after the arrest of a suspect in the arson attack on the Pennsylvania Governor’s official residence in Harrisburg.
Vance described the incident as “really disgusting violence” and called for swift justice.
“Thanks be to God that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack,” Vance posted on X. “Really disgusting violence, and I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice.”
The fire broke out late Saturday night after a man reportedly jumped a fence and set fire to the governor’s mansion. Emergency crews responded to the scene around 2 a.m. on Sunday.
Though the fire caused significant damage, all occupants escaped safely, according to Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline.
Pennsylvania State Police later arrested 38-year-old Cody Balmer of Harrisburg in connection with the crime.
I’m about to speak to Pennsylvanians about the arson attack on the Governor’s Residence.
Watch: https://t.co/mGz79YWu8x
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 13, 2025
Authorities plan to charge Balmer with multiple serious offenses, including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault against a public official.
“These are all very serious charges, as with any charges, the defendant is presumed innocent,” stated Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo. “We will file those charges within the next several hours.”
The blaze tore through part of the historic residence just hours after Governor Shapiro shared a photo of his family celebrating the Jewish holiday of Passover.
Photos taken at the scene show smoke pouring from the building and parts of the structure charred black.
On Sunday afternoon, Shapiro stood in front of the scorched home and spoke to the press, offering appreciation for first responders and law enforcement.
“Gloria and I are overwhelmed by the prayers and the messages of support that we’ve received from all across Pennsylvania and all across the United States,” he said.
“We’ve heard from our fellow governors and first spouses. We’ve heard from several of the former governors of Pennsylvania. We’ve heard from so many friends and loved ones, and we’ve heard from so many caring citizens of this great commonwealth.”
“I want you all to know that your prayers lift us up,” he added. “And in this moment of darkness, we are choosing to see light. We appreciate the light that you have shined upon us.”
While Governor Shapiro refrained from discussing specifics about the attack, he confirmed that officials believe the fire was intentional.
“We do know that this attack was targeted. We don’t know the person’s specific motive yet, but we do know a few truths,” he said.
“First, this type of violence is not okay. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society, and I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another, or one particular person or another, it is not okay, and it has to stop.”
He also noted that the attack took place during a religious observance, implying the potential for a targeted message.
“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,” the governor stated.
Other political figures joined Vance in addressing the attack. Attorney General Pam Bondi acknowledged the rapid police response.
“I am deeply relieved that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe, thankful for the first responders who arrived on the scene, and applaud the police work that resulted in an arrest just hours ago,” she said in a statement on X.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) also weighed in, calling the attack “horrific.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with Governor Josh Shapiro and his family following the horrific arson attack on their residence,” Jeffries stated.
“Political violence of any kind is never acceptable and it is especially unconscionable to attack a Jewish family during the first night of Passover. Everyone responsible must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
The motive for the attack is still under investigation. Authorities continue gathering evidence to determine whether broader threats are linked to the incident.
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