Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a suspected arson that caused “a significant amount of damage” to Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence in Harrisburg.
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Shapiro said on social media that his family was awakened at 2 a.m. Sunday by state police banging on their door.
“Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” he wrote, adding that he and his wife, Lori, are “eternally grateful” to authorities who helped them evacuate.
Last night at about 2AM, 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…
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 13, 2025
Photos showed heavy smoke pouring from a window of the governor’s residence, blackening the exterior trim with soot. Inside, visible damage included charred furniture and scorched interiors. A firefighter was seen at the front door of the brick home as smoke billowed from the damaged window.
The couple’s four children, Sophia, Jonah, Max, and Reuben, were not all confirmed to be home at the time. Sophia and Jonah are adults; Max and Reuben are minors.
Just hours before the incident, Shapiro, who is Jewish, posted a Passover greeting online: “From the Shapiro family’s Seder table to yours, happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach!”
State police confirmed the fire was an act of arson and announced a $10,000 reward for information. “While the investigation is ongoing, the State Police is prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson,” the department said.
Shapiro, a Democrat elected in 2022, has a strong approval rating. A 2024 poll showed 59% of likely voters support him.
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