Governor Josh Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, and Family Safely Evacuated Following Arson Attack on Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg”
In the early hours of Sunday, April 13, 2025, an arsonist set fire to the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Governor Josh Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, and their family were inside the residence at the time but were safely evacuated without injury. The fire caused significant damage to a portion of the historic residence, prompting a swift response from local and state authorities.
The Incident
The fire broke out around 2:03 a.m. on April 13, 2025, in the 2000 block of North Front Street in Harrisburg. City fire crews were dispatched to the scene under Box 1-3 for reports of a building fire at the official residence. Upon arrival, firefighters found no visible fire from the exterior. However, after a more thorough investigation, they discovered an active blaze on the first floor of the structure. Two hoselines were deployed to combat the flames, and firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within approximately 20 minutes.
Primary and secondary searches of the residence were conducted, and no occupants were found in the affected area. Governor Josh Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, and their family were home at the time but in a separate section of the residence. They were safely evacuated without injury.
Governor Shapiro released a statement following the incident:
“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 – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.”
Authorities have not released details on how the fire was set or if any suspects have been identified. The investigation is ongoing, and state police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
The Residence
The Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, located at 2035 North Front Street in Harrisburg, is a 29,000-square-foot Georgian-style home designed by architect George Ewing. Completed in 1968, it has served as a home to eight governors and their families. The first floor of the residence houses both temporary and permanent art exhibits, decorative art, and artifacts reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of Pennsylvania.
The residence overlooks the Susquehanna River and is situated on a three-and-a-half-acre property that includes the Jane Shafer Rose Garden, Penn’s Woods, the Susquehanna Garden, the West Lawn, and the Rain Gardens. The residence is also open to the public for tours and community events.
Response and Investigation
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded promptly to the scene and extinguished the fire without any reported injuries. The Pennsylvania State Police are leading the investigation into the arson, with assistance from Capitol Police. Authorities have offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Governor Shapiro, a Democrat and potential 2028 presidential contender, expressed gratitude to law enforcement and first responders for their swift actions. The incident occurred shortly after Shapiro shared on social media a post about his family’s Passover celebration.
Conclusion
The arson attack on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence is a serious and concerning incident. While Governor Shapiro and his family are safe, the fire caused significant damage to the historic residence. The ongoing investigation aims to determine the cause of the fire and identify those responsible. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in bringing those responsible to justice.
