What We Know About the Arson Attack on the Governor’s House in Pennsylvania

U.S.|What We Know About the Arson Attack on the Governor’s House in Pennsylvania

Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and his family were forced to flee from the governor’s official residence early Sunday after an arson attack severely damaged the mansion.

The authorities arrested a man who they said had broken into the mansion in Harrisburg, Pa., and thrown objects into the home that started at least two fires and caused significant damage. No one was injured in the attack.

The man, who they identified as Cody Balmer, 38, has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated arson, terrorism and other offenses. Law enforcement officials have not provided any information about a motive.

Here is what to know about the attack.

Governor Shapiro and his family were sleeping when the fire was set.

Mr. Shapiro said that he, his wife and children were awakened shortly after 2 a.m. by a state trooper who warned them of a fire. They were rushed to safety while firefighters extinguished the flames, he said. The F.B.I. was assisting in the investigation, he added.

Mr. Shapiro, a Democrat, rose to prominence last year when he was on the short list of possible running mates for Kamala Harris, the party’s nominee for president. He helped oversee the law enforcement response to the assassination attempt against Donald J. Trump in Butler, Pa., who was then campaigning for president.

The 51-year-old governor, who has said that there is too much vitriol in American politics, noted that the attack on the residence occurred shortly after his family and others members of the local Jewish community had celebrated the first night of Passover in the state dining room.