Arrest made in arson at PA Governor's Residence; Shapiro, family escape blaze

(This story was updated to add new information.) 

A Harrisburg man in custody Sunday and is expected to be charged with arson that caused a "significant amount of damage" to the home of Gov. Josh Shapiro, hours after his family celebrated the start of Passover.

Cody Balmer, 38, was arrested on April 13, Col. Christopher Paris, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner, said during a news conference. Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo said his office is currently preparing a criminal complaint to charge Balmer.

Shapiro and his family were in different area of the Harrisburg residence at the time of the fire and were able to evacuate safely. They were not injured.

"Last night we experienced an attack, not just on our family, but on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, here at the governor's residence," Shapiro said Sunday.

State troopers were searching for Balmer when he set the fire at the governor’s mansion in the early morning hours, an official said. They said he used a homemade device to set the blaze after jumping a fence.

Balmer was in the home for about a minute before leaving the state property, officials said. He would be arrested later in the Harrisburg area.

What happened at the PA governor’s mansion?

Firefighters responded around 2 a.m. to the residence on North Front Street in Harrisburg for a report of a fire, the release states.

"While the fire was successfully extinguished, it caused a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence," according to a PSP Tips Facebook page.

"While the investigation is ongoing, the State Police is prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson," the release stated before the arrest.

State police remained on the scene throughout the day. The investigation involves a multiple agencies, including the FBI.

It was a very quick event," a state police official said, adding Balmer allegedly had a clear plan and was 'very methodical" in his approach.

A security review is underway to ensure there is not repeat of the situation, state police said.

Governor Josh Shapiro issues statement after fire

Shapiro issued the following statement this morning:

"Last night at about 2AM, my family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.

"The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire, we were evacuated from the Residence safely by Pennsylvania State Police and assisted by Capitol Police. Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished.

"Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities. Last night, they did so for our family – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.

"PA State Police is on the scene leading this investigation and will keep the public updated."

Shapiro, at an afternoon news conference, said he was not fearful but concerned for his family. He would not say if he considered it a hate crime, saying he would leave that determination to the investigating authorities.

Shapiro is Jewish and his family celebrated Passover Seder at the Harrisburg home on Saturday night, and said he would do so again on Sunday.

The governor though, emphasized that while the attack has him emotional and worried about his family, especially his four children, he was not afraid.

“No one will deter me or my family or any Pennsylvania from celebrating their faith openly and proudly," Shapiro said.

Check back later as this is a breaking news story.