Pennsylvania State Police are searching for an arsonist who “caused a significant amount of damage” to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s official residence in Harrisburg.
In a statement posted to social media, Shapiro wrote that his family was woken up at 2 a.m. on Sunday by banging on the door from state police. He added that he and his wife, Lori, were “eternally grateful” for authorities who helped evacuate the family.
Read also:
- Volkanovski lost sight in one eye in the middle of the fight before finishing Diego Lopes
- Elite EDGE goes to Panthers in Round 1 in new mock draft – but not the one you think
- Penalty fest and victory for champion Wehrlein
- Messi meets Lionel Richie, the singer who inspired his parents to give him this name
- 2025 Paris-Roubaix: heavy overnight rain causes wet, slippery cobblestone sectors
“Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” Shapiro wrote. “Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities.”
The couple have four children together, Sophia, Jonah, Max, and Reuben. Sophia and Jonah are legal adults while Max and Rueben are minors.
It’s unclear whether either of Shapiro’s adult children were home.
State police described the probe into the incident as a multi-agency investigation and are offering a $10,000 reward for information.
“While the investigation is ongoing, the State Police is prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson,” the department said.
Shapiro is a Democrat who was elected to head Pennsylvania in 2022 after serving as the state’s attorney general for several years. He was reportedly among the leading candidates considered for a vice presidential run alongside Kamala Harris in last year’s presidential race.
Harris ultimately picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to share the 2024 ticket with her.
But Shapiro is a relatively popular governor with a favorable approval rating. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported in September that 59% “strongly approve” or “somewhat approve” of Shapiro’s leadership, according to its poll of likely voters in the state.
The polling showed he had a stronger rating than pop sensation Taylor Swift, a Pennsylvania native who received a 46% approval score in comparison.
Yasmeen Persaud is an assignment editor for NBC News.
