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Investigation Underway Following Arson at Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence

A fire that erupted overnight at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg is currently being treated as a case of arson, as confirmed by the Pennsylvania State Police.

Emergency responders from the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire received notification of the blaze around 2 a.m. on Sunday and quickly arrived at the residence located on North Front Street in Dauphin County.

Governor Josh Shapiro revealed in a statement that both he and his family were present when the incident occurred. He described the moment as a stark wake-up call, stating they were alerted by police banging on their door after an arsonist targeted their home.

“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,” Shapiro noted.

As fire crews battled the flames, the governor’s family was safely evacuated with assistance from state police and Capitol police. Fortunately, Shapiro reported that there were no injuries, and the fire was eventually brought under control.

In a further statement, Attorney General Dave Sunday commended the swift response of first responders and stated that his office is prepared to provide necessary resources to help apprehend the individual responsible for this reckless act.

Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge expressed his relief on social media, highlighting his gratitude for the Shapiro family’s safety. Ridge reflected on the emotional impact, saying, “The images showing the damage to the home we lived in with our children for nearly eight years are heartbreaking.”

The fire has caused substantial damage to part of the residence, and Pennsylvania State Police Troop H is taking the lead on the investigation. They are offering a reward of $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Authorities encourage anyone with knowledge related to the incident to contact 1-800-4PA TIPS (1-800-472-8477).

The Governor’s Residence, a 29,000 square foot Georgian-style home designed by architect George Ewing, is situated along the Susquehanna River and has been a home to eight governors and their families, as detailed on the state’s official website.

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