House Resolution No. directs the Government Oversight Committee to investigate the arson attack that occurred at the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg on April 13, 2025. The incident involved an individual named Cody Balmer, who has been charged with multiple serious offenses, including attempted homicide and aggravated arson, after he confessed to setting the fire while the Governor and his family were inside. Following the attack, a third-party security review was conducted by former Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Jeffrey Miller, but the findings have not been made public, raising concerns about transparency and accountability among legislative leaders and the public.
The resolution empowers the Government Oversight Committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the security protocols and failures that allowed the arson to occur. It grants the committee the authority to subpoena witnesses and documents, administer oaths, and take testimony, among other investigative actions. The committee is expected to report its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives, addressing the significant public interest in understanding the security lapses that led to the incident and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to prevent future occurrences.