An arsonist set Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s official residence on fire early Sunday, leading to an evacuation but no injuries, state police said.
Shapiro and his family were inside the Harrisburg home when the fire started but they were sleeping in a different area and not harmed, the governor said in a social media 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,” Shapiro wrote. “Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished.”
Shapiro said his family was awoken at 2 a.m. by state cops banging on a door and alerting them to the blaze. Photos shared by Harrisburg firefighters showed at least one burnt out window and several black scorch marks on the exterior of the home.
No suspects were identified Sunday morning. Pennsylvania State Police said they had launched an arson investigation and offered a $10,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest in the case.
Shapiro, 51, is considered a potential Democratic candidate for President in 2028. He was also regarded as a possible vice presidential candidate to run alongside 2024 nominee Kamala Harris, a role that eventually went to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
The fire was set on the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover. Shapiro shared a photo of his family’s Passover meal on social media hours before the fire was set. He is one of six Jewish governors across the U.S.