Pennsylvania State Police are investigating an arson attack that caused significant damage to Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence in Harrisburg.
In a social media statement, Shapiro recounted that his family was awakened at 2 a.m. Sunday by state police banging on their door. He and his wife, Lori, expressed profound gratitude to the authorities who helped evacuate the family.
“Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” Shapiro wrote. “Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities.”
Photos from the scene showed smoke billowing from one of the residence’s windows, with the exterior trim blackened by soot. A glimpse through the window revealed substantial interior damage, including what appeared to be a completely charred piece of furniture.
The Shapiros have four children: Sophia and Jonah, who are adults, and minors Max and Reuben. It remains unclear whether the adult children were home during the incident.
Just hours before the attack, Shapiro, who is Jewish, had shared Passover wishes on social media. “From the Shapiro family’s Seder table to yours, happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach!” he posted Sunday evening with a photo of his Seder table.
State police described the investigation as a multiagency effort and are offering 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 stated.
Shapiro, a Democrat elected in 2022 after serving as Pennsylvania’s attorney general, was reportedly among candidates considered for Kamala Harris’s vice presidential running mate last year. Harris ultimately selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
The governor enjoys relatively strong popularity, with the Philadelphia Inquirer reporting in September that 59% of likely voters either “strongly approve” or “somewhat approve” of his leadership. The polling showed his approval rating surpassed that of Pennsylvania native and pop star Taylor Swift, who received 46% approval.
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