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The blaze broke out around 2 a.m. at the mansion on North Front Street in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, authorities said.
Shapiro, his wife Lori, and their children were safely evacuated by Pennsylvania State Police and Capitol Police after troopers banged on their door to wake them. The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire quickly extinguished the flames. No injuries were reported, though the fire caused “significant” damage to a portion of the residence.
Cody Allen Balmer, 38, allegedly scaled a fence, carried homemade incendiary devices onto the property, and forcibly entered the residence before fleeing, investigators said. He was arrested later Sunday afternoon in the Harrisburg area.
Balmer faces multiple charges, including Attempted Murder, Terrorism, Aggravated Arson, and Aggravated Assault Against an Enumerated Person, police said. He is also facing a new Burglary charge filed in Dauphin County on April 13.
He remains held at the Dauphin County Prison, with no bond and no projected release date set, according to prison records.
Balmer describes himself on social media as a certified master mechanic offering mobile service and roadside assistance. He is a father with several young child, his social media shows.
At the time of the arson, Balmer was awaiting plea court in Dauphin County on charges stemming from a January 2023 incident in Penbrook Borough, where he was charged with three counts of Misdemeanor Simple Assault. His next hearing had been scheduled for April 16.
His criminal record also includes two prior felony forgery convictions and a felony criminal attempt-theft by deception.
At a press conference outside the damaged residence, Shapiro said the fire was set just hours after his family hosted a Passover Seder.
"If he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, or the Jewish community who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room last night — hear me — no one will deter me or my family or any Pennsylvanian from celebrating their faith openly and proudly," Shapiro said.
He called the fire "an attack not just on our family, but on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."
"This type of violence is not OK," Shapiro added. "It has to stop. We have to be better than this."
Authorities have announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to any additional arrests or convictions. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-4PA-TIPS (1-800-472-8477).
The Pennsylvania State Police are leading the active investigation. A full security review is also underway.
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