The governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, along with his family, was evacuated from their residence early on Sunday due to an arson attack that caused significant damage to a section of the governor’s home. The incident occurred in Harrisburg, and Mr. Shapiro, a member of the Democratic Party, shared details on social media about the harrowing experience.
According to Governor Shapiro, the Pennsylvania State Police woke his family around 2 a.m. by banging on their door, alerting them to the fire set by an arsonist. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during this alarming event. The swift actions of both the State Police and the Pennsylvania Capitol Police ensured the safe evacuation of his family while firefighters worked diligently to extinguish the flames.
In his statement, Governor Shapiro expressed his profound gratitude to the law enforcement and first responders, stating, “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.” This statement underscores the vital role that first responders play in ensuring community safety.
The Pennsylvania State Police released a statement confirming that the fire inflicted “a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence.” As of now, no suspects have been identified, and the investigation into the arson incident is ongoing. Authorities are working tirelessly to uncover the circumstances surrounding this troubling event.
The governor’s residence, a grand 29,000-square-foot Georgian-style home located on the banks of the Susquehanna River, has housed eight governors and their families since its completion in 1968. The residence is not only a home but also a cultural site, as the public can tour the first floor, which showcases a variety of art and artifacts.
In 2022, a significant renovation of the property was completed, enhancing its accessibility for individuals with mobility issues and making it more environmentally friendly, according to reports from The Patriot-News. These improvements signify the state's commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.
Governor Josh Shapiro took office in January 2023, following his tenure as the Pennsylvania Attorney General. This incident marks a challenging moment in his early days of governance. As this story develops, the community remains hopeful for swift justice and a thorough investigation into the arson attack.
