HARRISBURG, PA — An early-morning fire Sunday at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence forced Governor Josh Shapiro and his family to evacuate as state police launched an arson investigation into the blaze that scorched a portion of the historic building.
Key Points
- Governor Josh Shapiro and his family evacuated safely after an arson fire at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence
- The fire started around 2 a.m. Sunday and damaged the south side of the mansion
- Pennsylvania State Police are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest
Authorities said the fire ignited around 2 a.m. in a section of the 29,000-square-foot mansion in Harrisburg, while the governor and his family were asleep in another part of the house. “Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” Shapiro said on X, crediting state police for alerting the family and first responders for containing the blaze.
Visible damage included shattered windows and soot-stained walls on the mansion’s south side, particularly in a room typically used for public functions. The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded to the scene and quickly brought the fire under control.
Damage and investigation
The Pennsylvania State Police confirmed the fire was being investigated as arson and announced a $10,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest and conviction. “While the investigation is ongoing, the State Police is prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson,” a spokesperson said in a statement cited by Spotlight PA.
No suspects or motives have been disclosed. However, authorities noted they are exploring all angles, including whether the incident may constitute a hate crime. The fire came just hours after Shapiro, who is Jewish, posted a photo of his family’s Passover Seder table, marking the start of the holiday Saturday evening.
Reactions from officials
Attorney General Dave Sunday denounced the incident as “senseless violence,” pledging full support to the investigation. Former Governor Tom Ridge said he was heartbroken over the damage to the building he once called home, as reported by CBS Philadelphia. Elected officials across party lines expressed condemnation and support for the governor and his family.
The Governor’s Residence, constructed in 1968, has served as both a private home for Pennsylvania’s governors and a public venue for art and ceremonial events. The building is typically under round-the-clock protection from state police, and it remains unclear how the arsonist breached the gated grounds.
Shapiro’s response
Shapiro, a Democrat elected in 2022 and seen as a possible 2028 presidential candidate, has pledged cooperation with the multi-agency investigation. He reaffirmed his support for law enforcement in a statement, saying, “Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities,” according to Reuters.
The Pennsylvania State Police has asked the public to call PSP Tips at 1-800-472-8477 with any information.