Gov. Josh Shapiro Opens Up on Arson Attack at His Home Amid Passover

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro gave an exclusive and emotional account of the arson attack on his home during an interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos. The incident occurred in the early hours following a Passover celebration last weekend, with Shapiro and his family forced to evacuate as flames ignited from a Molotov cocktail thrown into their residence.

The suspect, 38-year-old Cody Balmer, was arrested after allegedly infiltrating the property by scaling a fence, evading security sensors, and breaking a window to throw the incendiary device. According to Shapiro, a Pennsylvania State Trooper responded to the triggered security alarm but failed to locate the intruder in the dark.

Shapiro walked Stephanopoulos through the soaked scenes of his home, describing how the attacker concealed himself in bushes before setting the fire. The governor shared that just hours earlier, he and his wife Lori were hosting a Passover Seder with three of their four children and guests from across Pennsylvania — a warm family gathering turned horrifying nightmare.

"I'm getting emotional just thinking about it," Shapiro said, recalling the "really beautiful night" that was shattered around 2 a.m. The damage was so severe that Shapiro toured parts of the home still bearing scorch marks during the interview, showing firsthand the violence of the attack.

On whether the arson was a hate crime, Shapiro deferred to prosecutors, stressing the importance of letting the legal process determine motive rather than speculation from the outside. However, he acknowledged the reality of such threats in today’s society and called for universal condemnation of all politically or ideologically motivated violence.

"I don’t care if it’s coming from the left or right," he said. "Every leader has the responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity and condemn this kind of violence." Despite the attack striking him personally, Shapiro strives not to be "captive to fear," a tough stance amid rising antisemitic incidents nationwide.

Regarding the aftermath, Shapiro noted that while former President Donald Trump had not reached out to offer condolences, FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi contacted him promptly. When pressed about labeling the attack domestic terrorism, Shapiro reiterated that such determinations rest with prosecutorial authorities.

He emphasized his background as a former prosecutor, explaining the need to "follow the evidence and apply the law without fear or favor," underscoring his reluctance to rush judgements on motive.

Shapiro also laid out his approach to combating hate — through leadership that unites rather than divides, condemning violence consistently whether perpetrated against public figures or private citizens. He highlighted his immediate condemnation of recent violent attacks in Pennsylvania, signaling a dedication to confronting threats no matter the target.

This heartfelt and sober interview reveals the chilling reality political figures face and the resilience needed to stand strong when your own home becomes ground zero for hatred. It's a stark reminder that such violence crosses all lines and requires leaders to rise with clear moral conviction.

Fox News' Deidre Heavey contributed to this report.