Photos Show Josh Shapiro's Home Ravaged by Fire After Arson Attack

New photos have revealed the damage inflicted at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence after it was set ablaze on Sunday.

Shapiro, a Democrat, said Pennsylvania State Police woke him and his family at 2 a.m. to evacuate them as the fire spread.

Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, was arrested on suspicion of setting fire to the property. He will face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault, authorities said.

Newsweek has contacted Shapiro's office for comment outside of regular working hours.

Why It Matters

The attack came on the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which Shapiro, his wife Lori, and their four children had celebrated at the governor's official residence in the city of Harrisburg.

Shapiro, who is Jewish, said the fire was started in a room where his friends and family had celebrated Passover Seder the night before.

What To Know

Photos shared online after the arson attack revealed how parts of the residence had been destroyed by the flames and thick smoke.

The remnants of charred furniture, a grand piano, and a chandelier could be seen in the images. Wallpaper was also burnt away from the walls, light fixtures melted, and a carpet of ash covered the floor.

The 29,000-square-foot Georgian-style brick home was built in 1968, and has been home to eight governors and their families.

Newsweek has sought clarification from officials about the scale of the destruction inside the residence.

What People Are Saying

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday: "Last night at the Governor's residence, we experienced an attack not just on our family, but on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

He also said at a press conference: "This type of violence is not ok. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I don't give a damn if it's coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another, or at one particular person or another, it has to be stop. We have to be better than this."

Vice President JD Vance said on X: "Thanks be to God that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack. Really disgusting violence, and I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice."

Former secretary of transportation Pete Buttigieg said on X: "Chasten and I are relieved that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe. While we wait to learn more, this much is clear: the targeting of a public official and his family - especially a prominent Jewish official on a major Jewish holiday - is unconscionable and has no place in our country."

What Happens Next

Balmer is expected to be charged with a string of offences in connection with the incident.

Officials are still investigating the attack and have not yet announced a motive.