Who’s Cody Balmer, suspect in Josh Shapiro dwelling fireplace case?

The police division confirmed that Balmer hopped the fences, evaded the troopers and set the fireplace. The 38-year-old was apprehended within the Harrisburg space instantly after Shapiro and his household had been evacuated. He’s going through aggravated assault and arson-related expenses. The suspect’s picture has not been launched but.

Officers added that Balmer had a ‘very methodic plan’ and was out and in of the residence inside minutes. “Whereas the fireplace was efficiently extinguished, it prompted a big quantity of harm to a portion of the residence,” the State Police stated.

Learn Extra: Josh Shapiro household: All about spouse Lori Shapiro and their 4 youngsters

“Whereas the investigation is ongoing, the State Police is ready to say presently that this was an act of arson,” the division added, with out mentioning the motive.

This comes after the Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that they’re investigating an arson on the governor’s residence in a single day. Josh Shapiro stated in a publish on X that he and his household ‘woke as much as bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fireplace to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg’. The fireplace was lit at round 2 AM. Nobody was injured and the fireplace was extinguished, in keeping with authorities.

Learn Extra: Assassination try on Josh Shapiro? Arson at Pennsylvania Gov’s dwelling amid his tariff criticism

Shapiro, a Democrat, is taken into account a possible candidate for his occasion’s presidential contest in 2028. Earlier than the fireplace, he posted final night time about his household’s Seder desk whereas celebrating Passover.

“Day-after-day, we stand with the regulation enforcement and first responders who run in direction of hazard to guard our communities,” Shapiro stated, “Final night time, they did so for our household – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for preserving us protected.”