Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion Set on Fire on Passover Day

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced on Sunday that his official residence was set on fire the previous night, forcing him and his family to evacuate.

In a social media post on Sunday, Shapiro stated, “Around 2 am last night, Pennsylvania State Police knocked on our door and woke me and my family up as an arsonist set fire to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg. Thank God, no one was hurt, and the fire was extinguished.”

Shapiro, a Democrat, serves as the governor in a key battleground state in federal elections in the United States. He is also considered a potential presidential candidate for the Democratic Party in 2028.

Pennsylvania State Police investigating the alleged arson case stated, “Although the fire was successfully extinguished, it caused significant damage to a part of the residence.”

“While the investigation is ongoing, the state police are prepared at this time to declare this as an arson case,” the Pennsylvania police said. Investigators did not mention any potential motives for the arson.

Shapiro, who is Jewish, had posted online the Passover Seder meal his family had prepared to celebrate Passover before the fire occurred.

“Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and emergency personnel who rush into danger to protect our community,” Shapiro said. He expressed gratitude on behalf of his wife, saying, “Last night, they did so for our family, and Loree and I will always be thankful for them keeping us safe.”

(This article drew upon reporting from Reuters)