Part of the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg was badly damaged early Sunday night in an alleged arson. Gov. Josh Shapiro says he and his family were woken up by state police and forced to evacuate around 2 o'clock Sunday morning. The governor was still emotional about 15 hours after the incident. "Lori and I are overwhelmed by the prayers and messages of support that we have received from all across Pennsylvania and all across the United States," Shapiro says. The Shapiros hosted a Passover sedar in that area of the residence hours before it went up in flames. 38-year-old Cody Balmer, of Harrisburg, has been arrested and Dauphin County DA Fran Chardo says he faces a laundry list of serious charges. "The charges will include attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault against an enumerated person," the DA says. Chardo says Balmer gained access to the property by scaling a fence. A motive has not yet been released.
Law enforcement has released details of the Sunday morning incident at the Governor's Residence. Police say 38-year-old Cody Balmer has admitted hating Governor Josh Shapiro and to setting fires inside the Governor's Residence around 2 o'clock Sunday morning. Balmer says he walked about an hour to the Governor's Residence after taking gasoline from his lawn mower and pouring it into Heineken beer bottles. When he arrived, he scaled a fence, broke two windows and then entered the residence. Balmer turned himself in a short while later and admitted to the crime. Investigators say Balmer told them he knew the governor might be home at the time. When he was asked what he would have done had he encountered Shapiro, Balmer told police he would have beaten him with a small sledge hammer he had on him.
Both Pennsylvania senators have issued statements after the fire at the Governor's Mansion in Harrisburg. Dave McCormick released a statement saying, "Dina and I are relieved and grateful that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe. We commend Pennsylvania’s first responders and law enforcement officers for their swift actions in keeping everyone safe and containing the situation. There is no room in America or our Commonwealth for lawlessness, violence, and hatred, and such acts must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." John Fetterman's statement reads, "This is truly appalling. Profoundly grateful that Governor Shapiro and his family are unharmed, and grateful for the police and first responders for their quick actions. Whoever did this must be held to the fullest extent of the law."
It appears life will return to normal today for the students at Harrison-Morton Middle School in Allentown. The school building has been closed since a pipe burst in February, causing serious flood damage. Immediately after the flood, students attended classes online and then were eventually sent to in-person learning at seven other nearby schools. The school's principal says the building has also passed environmental testing and undergone extensive deep clearing, with air purifiers installed throughout the building to improve its air quality.
A tractor-trailer struck a pedestrian early Sunday morning. The coroner has not yet released the name of the 35-year-old Lower Macungie Township man who was pronounced dead on the scene of the accident which occurred just before 3:30 Sunday morning at the intersection of Route 309 and Charles Street in Coopersburg. Police are continuing to investigation the incident.
State Police issued over 100 citations during Operation Orange Squeeze earlier this month. During Orange Squeeze, troopers were able to monitor the Pennsylvania Turnpike from construction vehicles in an effort to crack down on dangerous driving in work zones. PSP says 116 citations were issued, and one person was arrested for DUI. The department says initiatives like Orange Squeeze are crucial, noting there were 176 crashes in active work zones on the Turnpike last year. Two people were killed and 48 others were injured.
New Jersey Congressman Donald Norcross is improving from what was described as a medical event last week but he remains in intensive care. The 66-year-old Democrat suffered the medical event while on a flight that was diverted to North Carolina. He was transferred to Cooper University Health Care in Camden. His office says Norcross' health continues to improve every day but the medical staff recommended he stay in intensive care for now.
A dreadful season ended Sunday for the Philadelphia 76ers. The 122-102 loss to Chicago leaves the 76ers with a 24-58 record. General Manager Daryl Morey offered apologies for the disappointing season. "We really feel for the fans, who have put their heart and souls into this team. We know that we've let you down," Morey says. The Sixers finished with the fifth worst record in the league this season.