HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Pennsylvania State Police say an early morning fire at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, which prompted several people to evacuate, was “an act of arson.”
Pennsylvania State Police and Harrisburg authorities were called to the historical site at around 2 a.m. Sunday, Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline told Nexstar’s WHTM. He noted that crews encountered a fire in the first-floor area, which was quickly contained.
Initially, Enterline confirmed members of Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro’s family were inside the mansion at the time of the fire and were able to safely evacuate. He could not, however, confirm whether Shapiro was inside the home.
In a statement released Sunday morning, State Police confirmed Shapiro and his family were “present in a different part of the residence” than where the fire occurred.
No injuries were reported, and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal is investigating, per Chief Enterline.
“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 said in a statement.
“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,” he continued. “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. Last night, they did so for our family – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe. Pennsylvania State Police is on the scene leading this investigation and will keep the public updated.”
On Saturday night, he shared a photo celebrating the first night of Passover to social media with the caption: “From the Shapiro family’s Seder table to yours, happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach!”
Authorities are offering a reward of up to $10,000 through its tipline for the arrest and conviction in connection with Sunday’s fire. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-4PA TIPS (1-800-472-8477).
Pennsylvania State Police said the investigation is “fast-moving,” but did not provide any additional details.
The 29,000-square-foot residence was completed in 1968 and has served as the home to eight governors and their families. More than 14,000 visitors tour and attend community events at the mansion, which is owned by the state, each year.
In 1972, Hurricane Agnes forced then-Governor Milton Shapp and his family to evacuate the home after the estate was flooded by over five feet of water. It took nearly two years for the Residence to be restored.
