HARRISBURG, Pa, April 14, (AP): A man scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and broke into the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion where he set a fire that left significant damage and forced Gov Josh Shapiro, his family and guests to evacuate the building, authorities said Sunday.

The man, captured later in the day, will face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault, authorities said. Shapiro said he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family had celebrated the holiday at the residence on Saturday and were awakened by state troopers pounding on their doors at about 2 am Sunday.

They fled and firefighters extinguished the fire, officials said. No one was injured. At a Sunday evening news conference in front of the badly damaged south wing of the governor's residence, Pennsylvania State Police Col Christopher Paris identified the man in custody as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg. Paris emphasized that the investigation is continuing.

Authorities did not disclose the man's motive, but an emotional Shapiro, who is viewed as a potential White House contender for the Democratic Party in 2028, said he is unbowed. Shapiro said that if Balmer was trying to stop him from doing his job, then he’ll work harder.  Authorities said the suspect hopped over a nearly 7-foot-high (2.1-meter-high) iron security fence surrounding the property, eluded officers who became aware of the breach and forcibly entered the residence before setting it on fire.

Lt Col George Bivens said Balmer had a homemade incendiary device - he would not describe what kind - and appeared to have carefully planned the attack. He was inside the residence for about a minute before he escaped, Bivens said. Bivens said Balmer was later arrested in the area. Authorities did not say whether Balmer has a lawyer or where he was being held and calls to people believed to be relatives went unanswered or unreturned. One recent listed residence in Harrisburg was condemned in 2022.