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“Scary”: Governor Josh Shapiro’s Residence Set Ablaze At 2AM; Arson Investigation Underway
“Scary”: Governor Josh Shapiro’s Residence Set Ablaze At 2AM; Arson Investigation Underway
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“Scary”: Governor Josh Shapiro’s Residence Set Ablaze At 2AM; Arson Investigation Underway

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family woke up today (April 13) to their residence being set on fire while they were asleep inside.

The blaze reportedly broke out at around 2 am local time in the Harrisburg mansion prompting an immediate emergency response.

Authorities have confirmed that the fire was intentionally set, signifying a grave breach of security at the 29.000 square-foot residence that has served as the home for eight Pennsylvania governors.

Highlights
  • Governor Shapiro and family were safely evacuated after arson at their mansion.
  • The fire was intentionally set at the historic 29,000 square-foot residence.
  • A $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to the arsonist's arrest.
  • No injuries reported; investigation continues with no suspects yet.

Shapiro, his wife Lori, and their four children were safely evacuated without injuries after firefighters from the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire rushed to the scene alongside Pennsylvania and Capitol Police.

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    Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s home was set ablaze while him and his family were asleep inside

    Group embraces with concern, likely related to Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion arson investigation.

    Image credits: Mark Makela / Getty

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    “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,” Shapiro shared on X.

    Firefighters respond at night to Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion arson investigation, rescue vehicles visible.

    Image credits: WHTM

    “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.”

    Front view of Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion at night, scene of recent arson investigation.

    Image credits: WNEP

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    Shapiro then proceeded to confirm that no one was injured in the process, and thanked law enforcement and first responders for their work.

    “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. Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.”

    A $10,000 reward has been offered for any information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator

    Damaged entrance of Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion after arson investigation.

    Image credits: WHTM

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    Photos of the scene show portions of the home severely damaged, with black smoke billowing from the building as firefighters battled the flames. Several areas of the mansion appeared charred and scarred by the fire.

    Front view of the Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion, brick facade with white trim and lush greenery.

    Image credits: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline confirmed that everyone inside the residence had been in separate areas of the home when the fire broke out, a fact that was instrumental in them being able to escape without injuries.

    The timing of the arson coincided with Shapiro posting a photo online of his family celebrating together in the mansion.

    As investigations continue, a $10,000 reward has been offered by the Pennsylvania State Police for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.

    The incident marks the first time in the mansion’s history that it has been the target of arson

    Man in glasses in front of bright lights, serious expression, blurred flags in background; related to Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion.

    Image credits: Drew Angerer / Getty

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    The historic governor’s mansion was built in 1968 and has since stood through multiple natural disasters over the decades.

    For instance, in 1972 it was flooded by Hurricane Agnes, and again in 2011 as a result of Tropical Storm Lee. The residence went through extensive repairs each time.

    As of now, no suspects have been named, and officials urge anyone with relevant information to come forward. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.

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    This is a developing story, and will be updated as new information becomes available.

    “Heartbreaking.” Netizens hoped the culprit would be caught and sympathized with the Governor’s family

    Comment about Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion fire, expressing shock.

    Comment text saying, "This is not okay," related to Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion arson.

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    Maria Petrova emphasizes unity in response to Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion arson investigation.

    Comment on Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion fire incident relief.

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    Comment discussing security cameras after Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion fire.

    Comment by Susan Atwood on Pennsylvania Governor's mansion fire, expressing concern and relief for family's safety.

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    Comment by Joseph Boslego expressing relief about safety after Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion fire.

    Comment on Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion fire investigation: "I hope the law catches up to them.

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    Comment about Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion fire investigation.

    Doris Ban's comment reacting to Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion fire with a sad and angry emoji.

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    Comment by Bob Campbell stating 'Totally unacceptable' related to Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion fire.

    Comment by Arlene Keane expressing fear over Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion fire.

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    Comment expressing relief for Pennsylvania Governor's safety after mansion fire, calls for thorough investigation and accountability.

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    Abel Musa Miño

    Abel Musa Miño

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    Read more »

    Born in Santiago, Chile, with a background in communication and international relations, I bring a global perspective to entertainment reporting at Bored Panda. I cover celebrity news, Hollywood events, true crime, and viral stories that resonate across cultures. My reporting has been featured on Google News, connecting international audiences to the latest in entertainment. For me, journalism is about bridging local stories with global conversations, arming readers with the knowledge necessary to make up their own minds. Research is at the core of my work. I believe that well-sourced, factual storytelling is essential to building trust and driving meaningful engagement.

    Read less »
    Abel Musa Miño

    Abel Musa Miño

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    Born in Santiago, Chile, with a background in communication and international relations, I bring a global perspective to entertainment reporting at Bored Panda. I cover celebrity news, Hollywood events, true crime, and viral stories that resonate across cultures. My reporting has been featured on Google News, connecting international audiences to the latest in entertainment. For me, journalism is about bridging local stories with global conversations, arming readers with the knowledge necessary to make up their own minds. Research is at the core of my work. I believe that well-sourced, factual storytelling is essential to building trust and driving meaningful engagement.

    What do you think ?
    Rick Murray
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This sort of thing is completely unacceptable, especially with children in residence, but I can't help but think that the more desperate people get, the more they're going to lash out at those they think are responsible.

    Tabitha
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yet they tend to give a pass at the real culprits behind their desperation. Those people get another term in office they don’t deserve, especially after tanking the first term they didn’t deserve, plus a majority in both houses of Congress and a bought and paid for SCOTUS.

    Load More Replies...
    cerinamroth
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Right as they had been celebrating their Passover Seder... I hope the people who did this are caught quickly and brought to justice. While there's still a justice system left in the US.

    Load More Comments
    Rick Murray
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This sort of thing is completely unacceptable, especially with children in residence, but I can't help but think that the more desperate people get, the more they're going to lash out at those they think are responsible.

    Tabitha
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yet they tend to give a pass at the real culprits behind their desperation. Those people get another term in office they don’t deserve, especially after tanking the first term they didn’t deserve, plus a majority in both houses of Congress and a bought and paid for SCOTUS.

    Load More Replies...
    cerinamroth
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Right as they had been celebrating their Passover Seder... I hope the people who did this are caught quickly and brought to justice. While there's still a justice system left in the US.

    Load More Comments
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