Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro forced to flee with family as home ‘set ablaze’

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were forced to flee in the middle of the night during Passover after an alleged arsonist set fire to their residence, authorities said. 

Mr Shapiro, a Democrat seen as a potential candidate for his party’s presidential nomination in 2028, said he and his family woke up at about 2am on Sunday to “bangs on the door” by police after a fire was allegedly set at the governor’s residence in Harrisburg.

Mr Shapiro said he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family were evacuated as the fire service tackled the flames.

“Thank God no one was injured,” he said in a post on X.

A 38-year-old man identified as Cody Balmer, from Harrisburg, was arrested later in the day.

He will face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault, authorities said.

“Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities,” Mr Shapiro said on X.

“Last night, they did so for our family – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.”

The motive is unclear, but Mr Shapiro said officials believe it was a targeted attack.

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According to Pennsylvania police officials, he slipped over a fence around the property carrying homemade incendiary devices and evaded state troopers long enough to enter the residence, set it on fire and leave.

On Saturday, Mr Shapiro posted a picture of his family’s “seder” table as they celebrated the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover.

He is considered a leading contender to be the Democratic nominee in the 2028 US presidential election.