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Arson Investigated After Fire at Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were forced to evacuate their official residence in Harrisburg due to a fire that authorities have determined was deliberately set. The incident took place early Sunday morning, coinciding with the first night of Passover.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and emergency services were able to extinguish the fire quickly. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the investigation is still in its initial stages, but they have identified the event as an act of arson.

The fire caused significant damage to a section of the riverfront mansion, which is the governor’s official residence built in the 1960s. Reports indicate that Shapiro and his family were located in a different area of the residence when the alarm was raised.

Governor Shapiro recounted that they were awakened around 2 a.m. by the sounds of officers from the Pennsylvania State Police knocking on their door. In light of the distressing situation, he expressed gratitude that no one was harmed and that the fire was contained.

The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded promptly to the scene, and their actions, alongside the police’s evacuation procedures, ensured the safety of all residents. The burnt area, primarily affecting a large room typically used for entertaining and displaying art, was still cordoned off later in the day as investigators and canine units conducted their inquiries.

Shapiro, who is considered a potential candidate for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 2028, was in the process of celebrating Passover with his family at the time of the fire. Prior to the incident, he shared a photo on social media of the family’s Seder table from the governor’s residence.

The Pennsylvania State Police are actively investigating the incident and have announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information that could lead to an arrest and conviction in this case. Anyone with tips is encouraged to contact the police at 1-800-4PA TIPS (1-800-472-8477).

Source
www.cbc.ca