Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell said he is concerned about political violence in the wake of the arson attack on the governor’s residence, where Gov. Josh Shapiro resides.

Rendell said he felt safe when he lived in the residence, between 2003 and 2011, adding that even though there were demonstrations outside the home sometimes, it was “part of the business,” and there were troopers on-site around the clock.

“People are now taking violence into their hands as a way of resolving political divisions,” Rendell told NBC’s news station in Philadelphia. “It’s terrible. It’s going to tear the country apart unless we do something about it.” .

Cody Balmer, who was charged in the arson attack at the historic governor’s residence, said he had hatred toward Shapiro and would have attacked him directly had they come face to face.

Rendell said he hopes stronger security measures will be put in place following the attack.

“I would hope that people who are more experienced in putting security around public officials would look at the house, look at the way it’s built, look at the outside, look at the television,” he said.