In the early hours of Sunday morning, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were abruptly awakened and evacuated after a fire, which is now confirmed as arson, broke out at the official governor’s residence during their Passover celebrations.
The fire, which erupted around 2 am, came on the first night of the Jewish holiday. “We woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police,” Shapiro said in a statement, describing the tense moment that led to his family being ushered out of the riverfront mansion, located in the state capital of Harrisburg.
While no injuries were reported, the incident has sparked a high-level investigation. Pennsylvania State Police said they are “prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson,” though further details about how the fire was started have not been released.
The fire primarily damaged the south side of the 1960s-built residence, notably a large room often used for hosting events and art displays. By Sunday afternoon, yellow police tape sealed off an alleyway near the mansion, where officers remained on scene and a K-9 unit was observed working inside the perimeter.
“Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” Shapiro said.
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded swiftly, battling the flames while police safely evacuated the governor and his family. As the investigation continues, state police have offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Shapiro, seen as a rising Democratic star and possible 2028 presidential candidate, has not commented further on whether the attack was politically motivated.
