Governor Josh Shapiro Discusses Arson Attack on His Home and Its Implications in Exclusive Interview

Governor Josh Shapiro Discusses Arson Attack on His Home and Its Implications in Exclusive Interview

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro opened up about the arson attack on his home during a recent interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos. The incident occurred after a Passover celebration, leading to significant concerns about personal safety and public security.

During the interview, which aired on Friday, Shapiro revealed that Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old individual, was arrested for allegedly igniting a fire at the governor’s residence while Shapiro and his family were sleeping. This alarming event unfolded shortly after the family gathered to observe the first night of Passover.

Shapiro guided Stephanopoulos on a tour of the affected property, explaining how the suspect managed to bypass security measures in order to launch the attack. The governor detailed the unsettling process the assailant took to gain access to the building.

“He scaled the fence somewhere right around here,” Shapiro recounted, pointing to the perimeter. He described how Balmer had carried a bag filled with Molotov cocktails and a hammer, hiding in the bushes nearby before triggering the residence’s security system.

Upon activation of the security alarm, a Pennsylvania State Trooper responded to the call. However, Shapiro lamented that the darkness made it impossible for the officer to locate the intruder.

After evading authorities, Balmer reportedly proceeded to a walkway leading to the backyard, where he broke a window and hurled a Molotov cocktail inside. According to Shapiro, this action resulted in a fire and an explosion that would have had devastating consequences for his family.

“That immediately set off a fire and explosion,” the governor noted, expressing his genuine shock at the reckless behavior.

Shapiro then emotionally recounted the family’s Passover celebration, noting how they had hosted friends and community members for the holiday meal just hours before the attack. “Just hours before, Lori and I were seated probably right about here, at a long table, conducting our Passover Seder,” he said. The attack occurred shortly after midnight, as the family had retired for the night.

In the wake of the attack, Shapiro participated in a deeper discussion with Stephanopoulos in one of the fire-damaged rooms of the residence. The gravity of the situation became palpable as Shapiro recounted his earlier experience at the scene with the fire chief, realizing that this was no ordinary incident.

“I was in here at about maybe 3 o’clock in the morning with the fire chief when it became immediately apparent to me this wasn’t just an accidental fire,” Shapiro shared. The implications of such an intentional act weighed heavily on him as he contemplated the assault on not just his home but also on his family.

During the interview, Stephanopoulos probed Shapiro’s thoughts on whether he considered the arson attack as a hate crime. Shapiro responded, “I think that’s a question for the prosecutors to determine. They’re going to determine motive.” He understood the gravity of the situation and its potential implications on public perception.

Stephanopoulos emphasized the comments made by the suspect regarding political tensions and asked Shapiro how he felt about such rhetoric. The governor acknowledged the risks faced by individuals in positions of power, noting, “there are people out there that want to do you harm,” while also expressing a desire not to succumb to fear.

The ongoing rise in violent incidents related to political and social discourse was not lost on either of the men. Shapiro responded emphatically, highlighting the urgent need for leaders from all sides to unite against this kind of violence. “I think every single leader has the responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity and condemn this kind of violence,” Shapiro asserted.

Shapiro also addressed a question regarding outreach from notable political figures following the attack. He remarked that while he had not yet heard from President Trump, he had received communication from prominent officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, shortly after the unsettling incident.

When invited to express why he felt the Attorney General had not categorized the incident as an act of domestic terrorism, Shapiro reiterated that labeling motivations for crimes is primarily the responsibility of the prosecutors involved. Understanding that he was a victim and not the judicial authority, he stressed the importance of following legal protocols.

Stephanopoulos then shifted the dialogue toward strategies for addressing the broader issue of hate, particularly antisemitism, which has surged across the United States in recent years. Shapiro asserted that moral leadership is essential in combating such sentiments. He recounted swift condemnations he made in reaction to previous violent acts, asserting the need for leaders to be proactive and promote unity over division.

The grim reality of recent events has not been lost on Shapiro, who expressed a deep concern for the division growing in society. He described his commitment to leading with clarity and purpose, emphasizing that even in the face of adversity, it is critical to foster an environment of engagement and discourse.

Shapiro’s situation has brought attention to the broader implications of targeted violence in political realms. As leaders and citizens reflect on these recent developments, the case will likely prompt discussions about security, the responsibilities of public figures, and how communities can foster safer environments.

Report contributed by Fox News’ Deidre Heavey.