Arson at Pa. Governor's Residence universally condemned
Western Pennsylvania’s elected officials and others joined their colleagues across the state and country in condemning Sunday morning’s arson at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence.
Here’s a roundup of the comments:
“We should all be shocked at the reported act of arson at the residence of Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family. Particularly during this Holy Week for Christians and Passover time for the Jewish people, we focus on the deep love that God has for all of us. We must be deeply grateful that Gov. Shapiro and his family are safe, and we must also pray for an end to violence, which goes against everything good about us as human beings.”
— Pittsburgh Catholic Bishop David A. Zubik
“This morning’s arson attack at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, which threatened the lives of Gov. Shapiro and his family, is a despicable act of cowardice. Kathy and I hope all Pennsylvanians will join us in keeping Josh, Lori and their family in their prayers. We thank the firefighters who bravely responded to the fire, as well as the Pennsylvania State Police and all law enforcement for their ongoing efforts to bring the coward who attacked the People’s House to justice.”
— Former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker
“The most important thing is Gov. Shapiro and his family are safe and healthy. I am grateful for the work of our firefighters and law enforcement agencies for their quick response to the tragic incident at the Governor’s Residence. What occurred was an intolerable act and simply unacceptable.”
— State Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Hempfield
The most important thing is Gov. Shapiro and his family are safe and healthy. I am grateful for the work of our firefighters and law enforcement agencies for their quick response to this tragic incident, and will review the investigation details once complete. https://t.co/LbMdXTpQZs
— Sen. Kim Ward (@SenatorKimWard) April 13, 2025
“This is truly appalling. Profoundly grateful that Gov. Shapiro and his family are unharmed, and grateful for the police and first responders for their quick actions. Whoever did this must be held to the fullest extent of the law.”
— U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock
This is truly appalling.
Profoundly grateful that @GovernorShapiro and his family are unharmed, and grateful for the police and first responders for their quick actions.
Whoever did this must be held to the fullest extent of the law. https://t.co/cAk2cVEnEe
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) April 13, 2025
“The horrific attack against Gov. Shapiro and his family is terrible. This type of violence cannot be tolerated and the criminals responsible must be prosecuted for these deplorable actions.”
— U.S. Sen. David McCormick, R-Squirrel Hill
The horrific attack against @GovernorShapiro and his family is terrible. This type of violence cannot be tolerated and the criminals responsible must be prosecuted for these deplorable actions. https://t.co/Nd5SiXj6JP
— Senator Dave McCormick (@SenMcCormickPA) April 14, 2025
“Relieved to hear Gov. Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this horrific attack, and grateful to the first responders who ensured their safety. There must a swift investigation.”
— U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, D-Swissvale
Relieved to hear Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this horrific attack, and grateful to the first responders who ensured their safety.
There must a swift investigation. https://t.co/fw0CVyFqNZ
— Rep. Summer Lee (@RepSummerLee) April 14, 2025
“Grateful to hear Gov. Shapiro and his family are safe after this scary incident. Violence can never be tolerated — huge thanks to all the first responders and law enforcement who rushed to help.”
— U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Fox Chapel
Grateful to hear @GovernorShapiro and his family are safe after this scary incident. Violence can never be tolerated—huge thanks to all the first responders and law enforcement who rushed to help. https://t.co/JmXLTc8XHt
— Congressman Chris Deluzio (@RepDeluzio) April 13, 2025
“Political violence is unacceptable in any form. My thoughts are with Gov. Shapiro and his family as they continue to observe Passover. I’m relieved to learn a suspect is in custody.”
— U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Butler
Political violence is unacceptable in any form. My thoughts are with Governor Shapiro and his family as they continue to observe Passover. I’m relieved to learn a suspect is in custody.https://t.co/fwtVJ3znqr
— Rep. Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyPA) April 14, 2025
“Michelle and I were deeply troubled to learn about the fire at the Governor’s Mansion. Our hearts go out to Gov. Josh Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, and their entire family during this difficult time.”
— Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey
Michelle and I were deeply troubled to learn about the fire at the Governor’s Mansion. Our hearts go out to Governor Josh Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, and their entire family during this difficult time.
— Mayor Ed Gainey (@MayorEdGainey) April 13, 2025
“I am grateful and relieved that Gov. Shapiro and his family were able to escape the fire at the Governor’s Mansion last night without sustaining injuries.”
— Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato
Statement from County Executive Sara Innamorato regarding the fire at the Governor's mansion in Harrisburg overnight.
“I am grateful and relieved that Governor Shapiro and his family were able to escape the fire at the Governor’s mansion last night without sustaining injuries. pic.twitter.com/0B28hBNf8H
— Allegheny Co. Exec. (@ACE_Innamorato) April 13, 2025
Tom Davidson is a TribLive news editor. He has been a journalist in Western Pennsylvania for more than 25 years. He can be reached at tdavidson@triblive.com.
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