Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on Sunday morning said his family had to evacuate the governor’s residence after an arsonist set fire to it. No one was injured.
The Context
Shapiro gained national attention as one of the shortlist candidates for then-Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate in the 2024 presidential election after then-President Joe Biden stepped down. She ultimately chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, but Shapiro remained a visible and active member of the campaign team.
The Pennsylvania governor’s residence is a 29,000-square-foot Georgian-style home completed in 1968 and served as the home for eight governors and their families, according to the Pennsylvania government website.
What To Know
Shapiro, a Democrat, said Pennsylvania State Police woke him and his family at 2 a.m. after the fire had been set.
“The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire, we were evacuated from the Residence safely by Pennsylvania State Police and assisted by Capitol Police,” Shapiro wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished.”
He added: “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.”
The incident occurred on the first night of Passover, which lasts from the evening April 12 until April 20. Shapiro, who is Jewish, earlier in the evening posted a picture of his family’s Seder table and wished everyone a happy Passover.
Pennsylvania State Police have opened an investigation, and Shapiro has pledged to keep the public updated on any developments.
A post on X by City and State Pennsylvania managing editor Justin Sweitzer identified damage to the roof and windows of the residence, noting, “There’s visible damage on at least one side of the building.”
News: Gov. Josh Shapiro says an arsonist set fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion early Sunday morning.
There’s visible damage on at least one side of the building. pic.twitter.com/gtLChIHDzJ
— Justin Sweitzer (@justin_sweitzer) April 13, 2025
Video posted online shows the damage appears contained to the first floor near one of the entrances where windows were completely blown out and smashed.
Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that the incident is being treated as arson and that the fire caused “a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence,” but assured that “the Governor and his family were present in a different part of the residence” at the time of the blaze.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro speaks on October 10, 2024, in Pittsburgh. Inset: The Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence is seen in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Jeff Swensen/Getty Images // Pennsylvania government website
What People Are Saying
Philadelphia Council Member Jamie Gauthier wrote on X: “I’m relieved to hear that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe following the disturbing fire at the Governor’s Residence, which has now been confirmed as arson. Violence of any kind—especially that threatens lives and public institutions—has no place in our commonwealth.”
She added: “I hope for swift justice and accountability as it relates to this act, and my thoughts and prayers are with the Governor, First Lady, and their children as they weather such a traumatic experience.”
The Bucks County Democrats official X page wrote: “Our thoughts are with Governor Shapiro, the First Lady and their children in the wake of an arsonist attack on the Governor’s residence early this morning. Thanks to the work of the PA State Police, Capitol Police and Harrisburg Fire Department, no one was injured.”
What Happens Next?
Pennsylvania State Police are leading “a multi-agency investigation” and have offered up to $10,000 through their PSP Tips line for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the incident.
Update, 4/13/25 at 12:25 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information, context and quotes.
Update, 4/13/25 at 2:29 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
