US Governor Josh Shapiro and family evacuated after arson attack on official residence
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The news: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were evacuated early Sunday (Monday AEST) after an arsonist set fire to the governor’s official residence in Harrisburg, media reported citing state officials.
The Pennsylvania State Police said the fire caused “a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence” and confirmed it was “an act of arson.”
The governor said on social media that around 2am local time, police banged on the door to wake the family and evacuate them. No one was injured.
Firefighters brought the fire under control in about 20 minutes, according to the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire.
Images posted online showed char marks around a burned window and smoke damage.
The context: The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about threats against political figures in the US.
Shapiro, a Democrat elected governor in 2022, gained national prominence in 2024 as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris before she chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
He was previously the target of a threat in 2023, according to a state police report.
Hours earlier, Shapiro had written that his family was celebrating the first night of Passover. Police have not identified a suspect or suggested a motive. A USD10,000 ($15,020) reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
The sources: The Wall Street Journal , The New York Times
