Pennsylvania Governor and Family Survive Arson Attack; Suspect to Face Terrorism Charges
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Synopsis
Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro and his family survived an arson attack on their mansion, where a man evaded security and ignited a fire. The suspect, Cody Balmer, will face terrorism charges as investigations continue.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Josh Shapiro and family escape an arson attack.
- Suspect Cody Balmer will face terrorism charges.
- Incident occurred during the Jewish holiday of Passover.
- Shapiro criticized the violence against political figures.
- FBI promises support for the investigation.
New York, April 14 (NationPress) Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro and his family narrowly escaped an early morning arson incident at their official mansion, where a man bypassed security measures and ignited a fire within the building. The suspect is now slated to face terrorism charges.
Shapiro indicated that they were awakened around 2 am on Sunday by law enforcement and were safely evacuated from their residence located in the state capital of Harrisburg.
Authorities reported that a 38-year-old man, Cody Balmer, managed to leap over the fence to evade police security before starting the fire and subsequently fleeing, but was later apprehended in the city.
The local prosecutor, Fran Chardo, announced that Balmer would be charged with terrorism, attempted murder, and arson.
Shapiro, who is Jewish, noted that the incident occurred during the sacred days of Passover, which commemorates the Jewish exodus from slavery in Egypt.
Just hours prior, the governor had hosted a ceremonial Seder dinner in the very room where the fire was ignited.
"If he was attempting to terrorize my family and friends," Shapiro stated, "we celebrated our faith with pride; no one will deter me from observing my faith openly and proudly."
He further remarked, "This type of violence is unacceptable. I don't care if it's from one side or another. It's not acceptable," during a press briefing outside his residence.
Shapiro, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, was a contender for the vice-presidential nomination alongside Kamala Harris last year.
The governor expressed gratitude towards Kash Patel, the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who assured him of comprehensive federal support.
A property owned by an individual with a name similar to the accused was reportedly listed for auction due to mortgage default.
This assault on the governor's mansion is part of a troubling trend of violence targeting political figures in the increasingly polarized landscape of the United States.
Last year, former President Donald Trump sustained injuries during an assassination attempt while campaigning in Pennsylvania, and another attempt was thwarted in Florida.
In 2023, an intruder entered the home of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, resulting in serious injuries to her husband.
