While they slept…
HARRISBURG, Pa. — An arsonist set fire to the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence early Sunday morning while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were asleep inside, prompting a swift evacuation and raising concerns about political violence.
The fire broke out around 2 a.m. on April 13 at the official residence in Harrisburg. Governor Shapiro, a Jewish Democrat and potential 2028 presidential contender, said he and his family were awakened by Pennsylvania State Police banging on their door. They were safely evacuated with assistance from Capitol Police as the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire extinguished the blaze.
No injuries were reported, but the fire caused significant damage to the south side of the residence, particularly in a room used for events and art displays. The Pennsylvania State Police have classified the incident as an act of arson and are leading a multiagency investigation. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Politico has additional details:
The fire broke out overnight on the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which Shapiro and his family had celebrated at the governor’s official residence in the state capital of Harrisburg. State Police said in a statement that, while the investigation was ongoing, they were “prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson.”
Police gave no other details about the case.
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was called to the residence and, while they worked to put out the fire, police evacuated Shapiro and his family from the residence safely, Shapiro said.
“Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” Shapiro said in a statement.
“Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities,” he added. Last night, they did so for our family—and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.”
The Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, located at 2035 North Front Street, has served as the official home for state governors since 1968.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the attack. The incident adds to a growing list of politically motivated threats and attacks against public officials in recent years.
Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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There is no room in our political system, or society, for this type of action. I don’t care if it’s a dem wit or a repug. That’s why we have electric chairs and need to use them.
I think he needs to change party affiliation.
I am curious as to how the responders were alerted and how they were able to respond without waking up the governor or any member of his family. In addition, doesn’t he have staff members with him 24 hours a day to protect him and his family against intruders? If so, why wasn’t a staff member alerted by the fire or the noise of the responding firetrucks? The whole circumstance, without some further explanation, smells really fishy to me.