State, local leaders react to suspect arson at Pennsylvania governor’s residence

After investigators announced that they suspect arson in an overnight fire at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, local and state lawmakers began reacting to the news.

Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were evacuated from the residence around 2 a.m. and were unharmed. Pennsylvania State Police say the since extinguished fire caused a” significant amount of damage” to part of the residence and are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for an arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible for the fire.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> Early morning fire at Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg deemed act of arson, PSP says

Lawmakers and other state officials took to social media to share their thoughts after learning of the fire.

While expressing his relief that Shapiro and his family are safe, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis said in a statement that “targeting elected officials and their family members with violence is never acceptable.”

Former Governor Tom Ridge says seeing photos of the damage to the home he lived in with his children for nearly eight years was “heartbreaking.”

“All of us should feel safe in our homes, especially when that home is our state’s official residence, which makes this particularly shocking. Whoever is responsible for this attack — to both the Shapiro family and our Commonwealth — must be held to account,” his statement reads.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said his office “stands ready” with resources to find the culprit of the fire.

Sen. Dave McCormick’s statement, in part, said there’s “no room in America or our Commonwealth for lawlessness, violence, and hatred.”

Sen. John Fetterman called the situation “truly appalling.”

Pa. Rep. Dan Frankel and Sen. Judy Schwank, the chairs of the Legislative Jewish Caucus, issued a joint statement acknowledging the fear and anxiety Jewish communities may be feeling since the fire happened on the first night of Passover.

Former Gov. Mark Schweiker called the incident a “despicable act of cowardice.” His full statement reads:

“This morning’s arson attack at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, which threatened the lives of Gov. Shapiro and his family, is a despicable act of cowardice. Kathy and I hope all Pennsylvanians will join us in keeping Josh, Lori and their family in their prayers. We thank the firefighters who bravely responded to the fire, as well as the Pennsylvania State Police and all law enforcement for their ongoing efforts to bring the coward who attacked the People’s House to justice.”

Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik released a statement on the situation saying:

“We should all be shocked at the reported act of arson at the residence of Governor Josh Shapiro and his family. Particularly during this Holy Week for Christians and Passover time for the Jewish people, we focus on the deep love that God has for all of us. We must be deeply grateful that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe, and we must also pray for an end to violence, which goes against everything good about us as human beings.”

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