Governor Josh Shapiro’s house set on fire by at least one arsonist | Daniel Zamponga/PA-Gov.
At least one arsonist forced police to knock on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s house at 2 am to avoid him and his family from death or injury.
“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,” Shapiro said on X.
“Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” he added. He praised law enforcement and first responders for protecting local communities. “Last night, they did so for our family – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.”
The Democrat governor said police are still at his home investigating, and said he would keep the public updated. According to another X post, Shapiro and his family had celebrated the first night of Passover earlier that evening.
Pennsylvania State Police released a statement that, although the investigation is ongoing, they were “prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson.” They said the fire had been successfully extinguished. However, they added, “it caused a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence.”
Police officials explained the governor and his family were found in “different parts of the residence. They were evacuated safely and were not injured.”
State police offers a reward for tips from citizens
The state police posted a reward of up to $10,000 for tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the arson attack.
“No additional information will be released at this time,” the statement adds. “However, this is a fast-moving investigation, and details will be provided as appropriate.”
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said on X he was “relieved that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe.”
“The Office of Attorney General stands ready with any resources needed to find the culprit of this senseless act of violence,” Sunday added.
