Following their observance of a special family celebration for Passover, Governor Shapiro and his family awoke to the sound of fire and police responding to an arson attempt at the official Harrisburg home. Though they evacuated safely, significant damage occurred within the residence.

Balmer was apprehended shortly after the incident, reportedly carrying a homemade incendiary device when authorities arrested him near the governor's residence. Investigators have revealed that he likely gained access to the property by hopping a nearby fence, sparking a fire that left a portion of the home in ruins.

The blaze, quickly extinguished by local fire crews, prompted officials to issue a $10,000 reward for information leading to the assailant's capture. It remains unclear if any tips led to Balmer's arrest, who is currently held in custody.

Governor Shapiro, who took office in 2023 after serving as Pennsylvania's attorney general, is rumored to be a rising political figure, potentially eyeing a presidential bid in the future. His home, a sizable Georgian-style estate established in 1968, has been the residence for eight governors and continues to serve as a focal point for political activities in the state. Shapiro's family includes four children, further underscoring the intense emotional ramifications of the attack on their home.