A 38 year old man named Cody Balmer has been charged with arson, attempted murder, and more after an arson attack on Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvanian State Governor.

On Sunday the 13th, Balmer jumped the fence into the Shapiro residence, and, once inside, he lit multiple fires inside of the building. Nobody was injured in the fires. The Governor and his family were able to safely evacuate. Although the home did receive serious damage Shapiro told reporters “I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempted to put on me by attacking us as they did last night” (Hayes, April 14).

Balmer’s Mother, Christie Balmer, said that her son is mentally ill and was not on his medication.

Shapiro stated that he and his family were asleep when the fire started but woke up to loud bangs on the door from state police. Shapiro also said that Cody Balmer’s motives were unknown

The authorities had offered a $10,000 reward to any information about Balmer. It is unclear whether or not a tip helped lead to his arrest.

State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said that Balmer acted quickly and believes that he had a plan. Bivens said that he was “methodical in his approach”(Madani, Persaud, Eaglin, Cohen, Weir, April 13).

The incident occurred hours after the family celebrated Passover, which is a Jewish holiday. Governor Shapiro stated “No one will deter me or my family from celebrating their faith openly and proudly”(Madani, Persaud, Eaglin, Cohen, Weir, April 13).