US police reported the arrest of a man on Sunday for alleged arson and “terrorism” following an incident at the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party.

Shapiro, considered a potential presidential candidate for 2028, was inside the Georgian-style mansion in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with his family when the fire started in another section of the building, according to state police.

The authorities stated that the fire was successfully put out, but it did cause considerable damage to a part of the residence. There were no reported injuries.

Shapiro recounted that he and his family were awakened around 2:00 a.m. local time (0600GMT) by a police officer who “banged on our door,” and they were subsequently evacuated.

He expressed gratitude that no one was hurt and that the fire was contained.

Speaking to reporters outside the residence, with a fire-damaged window visible in the background, Shapiro strongly urged an end to political violence.

He emphasized that such violence is becoming increasingly prevalent in society and that it is unacceptable regardless of its origin, stressing the need to stop it.

Shapiro, who is Jewish, had earlier held a ceremony with family and friends to commemorate the first night of Passover.

While noting that the arsonist’s motive remained unknown, Shapiro affirmed that he would not be deterred from practicing his faith.

Police identified the arrested suspect as 38-year-old Cody Balmer.

District Attorney Fran Chardo stated that Balmer is in custody and that they are preparing a criminal complaint that includes charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault against an enumerated person.

The term “enumerated person” typically refers to law enforcement officers or other public officials.

Officials reported that Balmer gained access to the property by climbing over a fence and possessed “homemade incendiary devices.”

State police officials Christopher Paris and George Bivens noted that Balmer spent several minutes on the property eluding police before breaking in and starting the fire.

Prominent Republican officials responded to the attack, with US Attorney General Pam Bondi expressing relief that Governor Shapiro and his family were safe.

Vice President JD Vance condemned the attack as “really disgusting violence” and hoped for swift justice for the perpetrator.

President Donald Trump, upon returning to Washington on Air Force One, acknowledged that he had just learned about the incident.

Shapiro, 51, had been a contender to be Democrat Kamala Harris’s running mate in her unsuccessful US presidential campaign, a role that ultimately went to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Elected governor of Pennsylvania in 2022, Shapiro, a political centrist, defeated a far-right candidate supported by Trump.