Balmer was apprehended with a homemade incendiary device after breaching the fence around the governor's residence. While the motive for the alleged attack remains undetermined, police confirmed that the fire caused significant damage to the brick home. The quick response of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire helped extinguish the blaze while police ensured the safety of the Shapiro family. Authorities had previously offered a reward for information leading to an arrest in the case. Shapiro, who took office in 2023, is a prominent figure in Pennsylvania politics, previously serving as the state attorney general.