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Gov. Shapiro reflects 1 year after arson at governor’s residence: What we know
Gov. Josh Shapiro and the first lady marked one year since the arson attack on the governor’s residence with an interfaith roundtable, reflecting on resilience, restoration, and new security measures.
HARRISBURG, Pa. - Gov. Josh Shapiro and the first lady gathered faith leaders in Harrisburg on Monday, commemorating one year since an arson attack at the governor’s residence.
The roundtable took place in the same rooms that were damaged in the attack, now restored, as the Shapiro family and community leaders reflected on moving forward through faith and unity.
A year after the arson attack, faith leaders and officials reflect on healing
What we know:
Gov. Josh Shapiro condemned political violence, saying, "Political violence has no place in our society, no matter who it is targeting and no matter who is the aggressor in that case," said Shapiro.
The governor described how prayers and support from across Pennsylvania and the country helped his family heal. "What has been so important to us and so healing to us, has been the prayers and the offering of strength and words of healing that we have received from all across Pennsylvania all across this country," said Shapiro.
The attack took place April 13 last year, just hours after the Shapiro family hosted a Passover Seder.
Police say Cody Balmer scaled a fence, broke a window with a sledgehammer and threw Molotov cocktails, starting a fire while the family was upstairs.
Shapiro said, "I think the hardest thing for me emotionally and I’ve spoken about this this conflict between a father’s desire to always protect your children and doing a job I love that because of the rise and political violence in our society has created a tension there. Meaning I’m deeply committed to this work in public service that put my family at risk and that’s a hard thing to manage through."
Balmer pleaded guilty to attempted murder and 22 counts of arson, among other charges, and was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.
The governor said his family remains committed to public service. "We will not let them win and the way you let them win is exiting the stage out of fear. We are not fearful we are determined to keep doing this work and we’re all in as a family together on that," said Shapiro.
Restoration and security upgrades at the governor’s residence
By the numbers:
The Pennsylvania Department of General Services said restoration and security upgrades at the residence cost about $40 million.
Improvements include a 10-foot perimeter barrier, enhanced surveillance, bulletproof windows and a fire suppression system.
A showcase now displays a photo of the aftermath and charred tableware, along with a quote from the governor: "Do the hard work of bringing people together."
Shapiro said, "I feel absolutely safe here. I’m grateful to the residence staff. I’m grateful to the construction crew that worked here and I’m incredibly grateful and comforted by the presence of the Pennsylvania State Police."
The Shapiro administration sharing in the last month nearly $11 million in grant funding for nonprofit and faith-based organizations to help secure their facilities and protect against hate-based attacks.
The roundtable took place on the first day of Passover, with Shapiro saying, "We’re all really excited to be here tonight together to celebrate Passover."