HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Pennsylvania State Police say an early morning fire at the Pennsylvania governor’s residence was “arrson acts” that prompted several people to evacuate.
Pennsylvania State Police and Harrisburg authorities were convened at a historic location around 2am Sunday, Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Entellein told Nexstar’s WHTM. He said the crew encountered a fire in the area on the first floor and was included soon.
Initially, Enterline confirmed that members of the family of Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro were inside the mansion during the fire and could be safely evacuated. However, he could not confirm whether Shapiro was inside the house.
In a statement released Sunday morning, state police confirmed that Shapiro and his family were “in another part of the residence” than where the fire broke out.
File – Governor Josh Shapiro will speak at a press conference on the shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania on Saturday, February 22, 2025 (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
No injuries have been reported and Pennsylvania State Police’s fire service is under investigation.
“Around 2am last night, my family and I woke up from Pennsylvania State Police back above the door after the arsonist fired a shot at the governor’s residence in Harrisburg,” Shapiro said in a statement.
“We were safely evacuated from the residence by the Pennsylvania Police and supported by Capitol Police while the Harrisburg Fire Department was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire,” he continued. “Thank God that no one was injured, the fire has gone out. Every day we stand with law enforcement and first responders running towards danger to protect our community. Last night, they are forever grateful for our family.
On Saturday night, he shared photos celebrating the first night of Passover. “From the Shapiro Family Cedar Table to your table, Happy Passover, Chagpesach Samych!”
Authorities are offering rewards of up to $10,000 through its tip for arrests and convictions related to Sunday’s fire. Anyone with information will be asked to call 1-800-4PA tips at 1-800-472-8477.
Pennsylvania State Police said the investigation is “moving rapidly” but did not provide additional details.
The 29,000-square-foot residence was completed in 1968 and served as the home of eight governors and their families. Over 14,000 visitors tour each year and take part in community events at state-owned mansions.
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In 1972, Hurricane Agnes evacuated then-Governor Milton Shap and his family after the property was flooded with more than five feet of water. It took nearly two years for the residence to be restored.
