HARRISBURG, PA – In the early hours of Sunday morning, an arson fire prompted the evacuation of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family from the governor’s residence. The family was alerted by state police troopers knocking on their door, waking them from their sleep. Just hours prior, Shapiro, who is Jewish, had shared a photo on social media celebrating Passover with his family at the residence.
Firefighters arrived at the scene around 2 a.m. and managed to control the blaze, although it inflicted substantial damage to certain sections of the historic building. Fortunately, the governor and his family were in a different part of the residence and were unharmed.
By mid-morning, state police had released a statement indicating that the fire was believed to have been deliberately set. The investigation is ongoing, as authorities work to determine the motive behind the act and identify those responsible.
Governor Shapiro, who took office earlier this year, expressed gratitude for the swift response of the state police and firefighters, acknowledging their critical role in ensuring his family’s safety. The community has rallied around the governor, offering support and condemning the attack.
The incident has sparked discussions about security measures at the governor’s residence and raised questions about potential threats facing public officials. State security agencies are reviewing protocols to prevent future occurrences.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of the governor and his family. Meanwhile, the governor’s office has assured the public that Shapiro will continue to perform his duties without interruption.
The event has drawn widespread attention, with many expressing concerns over the implications of such an attack during a significant religious observance. The governor’s office is expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.