Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s mansion was torched by an arsonist overnight while he and his family slept inside, according to authorities.
Fire crews were dispatched to the Democrat‘s home in Harrisburg around 2am Sunday, Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline said.
Everyone inside the home was in a separate location of the residence when the flames broke out and were able to evacuate safely.
A significant portion of the estate was damaged from the fire, which broke out just hours after Shapiro posted a picture of his family celebrating Passover on Saturday.
The investigation into the terrifying blaze remains ongoing, but authorities have confirmed it was caused by an act of arson.
Shapiro, who shares four children with his wife Lori, shared a post to X about the startling incident.
‘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.
‘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.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s mansion (pictured) was torched by an arsonist overnight while he and his family slept inside
Shapiro, his wife Lori and their four children (pictured) were in the home at the time of the blaze
‘Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished. 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.’
Photos showed damage caused to the mansion as thick plumes of black smoke were seen flowing out of the home.
The fire also left portions of the home charred from the flames as firefighters were seen trying to calm the blaze.
Investigators are offering a $10,000 for any tips that lead to the arsonist responsible.
The 29,000 square-foot mansion was built in 1968 and has served as the residence to eight governors and their families prior to Shapiro.
Shapiro (pictured in February) has served as the Governor of Pennsylvania since 2023
The property has flooded several times in the past, including during Hurricane Agnes in 1972 when then-Governor Milton Shapp resided there with his wife Muriel, according to Visit Hershey & Harrisburg.
It then underwent ‘extensive repairs’ before flooding again in 2011 during Tropical Storm Lee.
Shapiro has served as the Governor of Pennsylvania since 2023. He previously worked as the attorney general of Pennsylvania from 2017-2023.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to come.
