A fire that broke out early Sunday morning at the official residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is being investigated as arson, state police said. Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the identification of those responsible.
The fire alarm was triggered around 2 a.m., prompting a swift response from law enforcement and emergency services.
“We were woken up by officers pounding on the door,” Shapiro wrote in a message posted to social media. “Lori and I are beyond grateful to those who helped us evacuate. No one was hurt, and the flames were extinguished.”
The governor and his family were inside the residence at the time of the incident, though it remains unclear whether all four of the couple’s children were home. Shapiro and his wife Lori have four children: Sophia and Jonah, both adults, and their younger siblings Max and Reuben.
The fire occurred just hours after Shapiro, who is Jewish, had posted a message marking the start of Passover, along with a photo of a traditional Seder table. “From our table to yours, Chag Pesach Sameach!” he wrote on X.
Investigators said evidence collected at the scene indicates the fire was “set intentionally.” No additional details have been released, but the severity of the incident has prompted a multi-agency investigation.
Gov. Shapiro publicly thanked first responders and reaffirmed his support for law enforcement. “Every day, we stand with those who run toward danger to keep us safe,” he said.
Shapiro, elected governor in 2022 after serving as the state’s attorney general, is widely seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party. His name was frequently mentioned last year as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, before she ultimately tapped Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to join the 2024 ticket.
In Pennsylvania, Shapiro continues to enjoy strong public support. A poll published last September by The Philadelphia Inquirer showed his approval rating at 59%—higher even than that of fellow Pennsylvanian and pop superstar Taylor Swift, who registered 46%.
