by By Gilberto K. Garcia | TheRocketFlame.com | May 8, 2025
Pennsylvania State Police have launched a new uniformed unit and installed an anti-climb fence at the governor’s residence in Harrisburg. The move comes after a recent arson attack that caused significant damage to the historic mansion.
The added security is designed to protect Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family, who stay at the residence when in the capital. The new uniformed officers will maintain a visible presence using marked police vehicles.
In addition to the new unit, the mansion remains guarded by a long-standing special detail team. These plainclothes officers continue to provide round-the-clock protection from within the residence.
Though officials have not disclosed how many officers are part of the new unit, they confirmed the team will undergo specialized emergency response training.
A key feature of the security upgrade is a new “anti-climb” fence, aimed at preventing future intrusions. Other enhancements, however, remain confidential for safety reasons.
The changes follow a third-party security review conducted by former State Police Commissioner Jeffrey Miller. Hired after the April 13 incident, Miller evaluated the mansion’s vulnerabilities, monitoring systems, and emergency protocols.
While Miller delivered his findings to Gov. Shapiro and police leadership, his report won’t be made public due to its sensitive nature.
State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris said sharing the report could endanger the governor, lieutenant governor, and their families. “Security must remain the top priority,” he wrote in a letter to lawmakers.
It’s still unclear whether the review examined the performance of the two troopers on duty during the arson attack.
According to previous reports, suspect Cody Balmer, 38, allegedly scaled the mansion’s perimeter fence, broke windows, and threw Molotov cocktails inside the home. He then fled the scene but later turned himself in to police.
Balmer now faces multiple serious charges, including attempted homicide and terrorism.
