Josh Shapiro and Family Evacuated After Arsonist Strikes PA Governor’s Mansion, Authorities Say
Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were evacuated from the Governor’s Residence early Sunday morning after someone set fire to the building.
Police are calling the fire an act of arson, the governor confirmed Sunday morning. According to state police, the fire caused considerable damage to a portion of the historic residence in Harrisburg.
No injuries were reported.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. ET, when law enforcement officials alerted the governor’s family of the blaze.
The fire was eventually contained and extinguished, and the governor later confirmed on social media that he, his wife Lori, and their children were not harmed.
Shapiro wrote on X:
Last night at about 2 AM, my family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire, we were evacuated from the Residence safely by Pennsylvania State Police and assisted by Capitol Police. Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished.
Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities. Last night, they did so for our family – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe. @PAStatePolice is on the scene leading this investigation and will keep the public updated.
Investigators said in a statement they were “prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson.”
Police said, “No additional information will be released at this time. However, this is a fast-moving investigation, and details will be provided as appropriate.”
They also put up a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person behind the blaze.
Shapiro, who is Jewish, was mentioned as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris as she launched her White House bid last year. Harris ultimately chose Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
