Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a prominent Jew and Democratic leader, narrowly escaped an attempted murder early Sunday morning when an arsonist set fire to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.

The attack, which took place just hours after Shapiro and his family celebrated the first seder of Pesach, has been described by authorities as a “targeted” act of political violence. A suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and other serious offenses.

The incident unfolded around 2 a.m., when Shapiro, his wife Lori, their four children—Sophia, Jonah, Max, and Reuben—and several guests were sleeping in the historic Georgian-style mansion. According to court documents, Balmer scaled an iron security fence, eluded state troopers, and broke into the residence through a southern wing, a room often used for parties and art displays.

Carrying homemade incendiary devices, including Molotov cocktails and Heineken bottles filled with gasoline, he ignited fires in multiple rooms, including the piano room and dining area, causing significant damage estimated to be in the millions of dollars.

The residence, built in 1968, lacks sprinklers, which allowed the flames to spread rapidly.

A state trooper’s urgent banging on the governor’s door woke the family, and all were safely evacuated without injury. “We were sleeping, and suddenly we hear this pounding, like a gevald,” Shapiro recounted at a press conference later that day. “The troopers got us out, and we’re all okay, but it’s a sobering reminder of how far some will go to harm others.”

Balmer, who turned himself in to Pennsylvania State Police hours after the attack, allegedly admitted to “harboring hatred” toward Shapiro and expressed intent to harm him physically. According to a criminal affidavit, he told investigators he carried a small sledgehammer and would have “beaten the governor” had they crossed paths.

Authorities have not yet released a definitive motive, but the timing—mere hours after Shapiro hosted a Pesach seder—has raised suspicions about possible antisemitic undertones. The FBI is assisting in the investigation, with particular attention to whether the attack was fueled by anti-Jewish sentiment, especially given Balmer’s history of posting anti-government sentiments and violent memes on social media.

Shapiro, who rose to national prominence as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, addressed the attack with characteristic resolve. Speaking outside the charred remains of the mansion on Sunday, he drew on the themes of Pesach. “Last night, in the state dining room, we told the story of going from slavery to freedom,” he said. “I refuse to be trapped by the shackles someone tries to put on me or my family through this kind of evil. I won’t let it stop me from doing the work I love or proudly celebrating our Jewishness.”

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, including from President Donald Trump, who called it “inexcusable” and urged an end to political violence. Vice President JD Vance described the incident as “really disgusting,” while former Governor Mark Schweiker praised Shapiro’s leadership in the face of adversity.

The incident is the latest in a disturbing string of attacks on elected officials in the United States, including the 2022 assault on Nancy Pelosi’s husband and last year’s assassination attempts on Trump during his campaign.

Balmer, who was denied bail at his arraignment on Monday, faces a slew of charges, including attempted criminal homicide, terrorism intended to “coerce the conduct of a government,” burglary, and reckless endangerment.

Court records reveal a troubled past, including a 2023 assault charge against his wife and stepsons and a reported suicide attempt by overdose. His mother told CBS News that Balmer is “mentally ill,” though authorities have not confirmed any mental health diagnoses as a factor in the crime.

The fire left the Governor’s Residence, a symbol of Pennsylvania’s history, in disarray. Charred walls, a scorched piano, and ruined furniture bore witness to the attack’s ferocity. Among the debris, a singed page of “Hatikvah,” the Israeli national anthem, was recovered.

Security measures at the residence are now under review, with questions raised about how Balmer managed to bypass troopers and perimeter defenses. “This is a wake-up call,” said Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police. “We’re looking at every angle to ensure this never happens again.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)