Government officials react to what police called “an act of arson” on Pennsylvania governor’s house
Apr 13, 2025, 1:06 PM
The windows and door is damaged from an overnight fire at the governor’s official residence on Sunday, April 13, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy)
(AP Photo/Marc Levy)
SALT LAKE CITY — Police say a fire that took place overnight at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home in Harrisburg, Pa. was likely arson.
According to an X post made by Shapiro, he and his family were evacuated from their home when the fire started around 2 a.m. The governor said the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was there while the fire was being extinguished.
“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,” Shapiro said. “Last night, they did so for our family – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.”
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…
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 13, 2025
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was one of the first government officials on Sunday to react to the house fire, saying in an X post that “evil is far too rampant today.”
The governor also talked about Passover and sending prayers to Shapiro’s family, and then continued to talk about political violence taking place in America.
“As political violence continues to escalate I pray that we will tone down the rhetoric and treat our political adversaries and fellow Americans with dignity and respect,” Cox said.
A reminder that evil is far too rampant today. On this Passover we pray for our dear friends, the Shapiros. As political violence continues to escalate I pray that we will tone down the rhetoric and treat our political adversaries and fellow Americans with dignity and respect. https://t.co/d4zterflIm
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) April 13, 2025
Information reported by the Associated Press said that police are still investigating the fire, but were “prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson.”
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.
