Reaction poured in from local and national politicians after the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence was attacked early Sunday morning.
Vice President JD Vance, a Republican:
“Thanks be to God that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack. Really disgusting violence, and I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice.”
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, a Democrat:
“Blayre and I are relieved to know the Shapiro family is safe and unharmed, and I’m confident the State Police will get to the bottom of who perpetrated this crime. I won’t speculate on motivations, but I will say that targeting elected officials and their family members with violence is never acceptable.
“These sorts of acts deter good people from pursuing public service at a time when we desperately need more Americans to participate in our democracy.”
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Debra Todd:
“My colleagues and I share the disbelief and outrage felt by all Pennsylvanians following the heinous attack on Governor Shapiro’s family at his residence last evening.
“On behalf of the Supreme Court, I extend my sincere support and concern for the governor and his family and gratitude to the first responders who acted quickly and courageously in the face of violence and hate. This moment calls for unity and resolve in support of those affected by this senseless and disturbing act.
“Acts of violence targeting our communities, neighbors, first responders and public officials are a stark reminder of the need for us to come together to reject hate and stand in solidarity and support for the institutions that unite us as Pennsylvanians.”
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a Republican:
“I’m thankful Governor Shapiro and his family are safe.”
Pennsylvania Attorney General David Sunday, a Republican:
“I’m relieved that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe after an arsonist set fire to the Governor’s residence overnight. I join all Pennsylvanians in praying for the Shapiro family following this criminal act.
“I’m grateful for the first responders who quickly responded. The Office of Attorney General stands ready with any resources needed to find the culprit of this senseless act of violence.”
Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim DeFoor, a Republican:
“Violence has no place in our communities. Grateful to the Pennsylvania State Police for their swift action and dedication in ensuring the safety of Governor Shapiro and his family. We must stand together against hate and harm—always.”
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat:
“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. David Mccormick, a Republican:
“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.”
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican:
“Political violence has no place in America—against anyone, at any time, for any reason. What happened to Gov. Shapiro’s home was more than a crime—it was an attack on the principles that hold our democracy together. I’m grateful he and his family are safe, and I thank the Pennsylvania State Police and first responders for their swift, courageous response. This must be condemned without hesitation, and the cowardly criminals responsible must face the full force of the law. We must remember: what unites us as a community—and as a country—will always be greater than anything that seeks to divide us. That is the strength of America. And together is the only way we move forward.”
Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore, a Republican:
“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.”
Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, a Democrat:
“I’m appalled by the dangerous & despicable attack on the Governor’s Residence last night. Cowardly acts of violence meant to stoke fear have no place in our state. I am grateful to our first responders who responded ensured that the Shapiro family & others were safe.”
State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, a Democrat:
“Our thoughts are with the Governor and his family after an arsonist attacked the residence in Harrisburg early this morning. Thankfully no one was injured. Thank you to the State Police, Capitol Police and local fire department for protecting the Shapiro family and putting the blaze out. Hopefully those responsible will be apprehended quickly.
“Ronni and I hope that the Governor, First Lady and their children are able to enjoy a meaningful and peaceful seder this evening surrounded by loved ones.”
The Bucks County Democratic Committee:
“Our thoughts are with Governor Shapiro, the First Lady and their children in the wake of an arsonist attack on the Governor’s residence early this morning. Thanks to the work of the PA State Police, Capitol Police and Harrisburg Fire Department, no one was injured and the Governor and his family were protected. We hope that those responsible for this despicable attack, which came at the start of Passover, will be apprehended quickly.”
The Bucks County Republican Committee:
“We were shocked to see the news that an arsonist had set fire to the Governor’s mansion last night.
“Thankfully Governor Shapiro and his family were safely evacuated.
“Violence is never acceptable, and we strongly condemn this heinous action.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Governor Shapiro and his family today.”
State Rep. Tina Davis, a Democrat:
“I am so thankful that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe after the early morning attack on the Governor’s Residence. Thank you to the first responders, whose decisive and courageous actions saved lives and prevented further damage from being done. I pray that those responsible for this cowardly attack, carried out in the early hours of the first morning of Passover, are brought to swift justice.”
State Rep. Joe Hogan, a Republican:
“I’m horrified by the disgusting act of violence perpetrated against Gov. Shapiro and his family at the start of Passover. This act of malice has no place in our politics let alone our society.
“I’ll work with my colleagues to make sure the State Police have every resource they need to identify the culprit and bring them to justice.”
State Rep. Tim Brennan, a Democrat:
“I am deeply saddened and angry to hear about an arsonist targeting the Governor’s Residence early this morning. I’m thankful that Governor Shapiro, our First Lady Lori Shapiro and his family are safe, and I appreciate for the efforts of first responders.
“Political violence of any type is not acceptable in the 21st century. This act appears particularly despicable as it was directed at a leader who has been very outspoken about his Jewish faith and during the Jewish celebration of Passover. My thoughts are with the family and also with the Jewish community after this heinous attack.”
State Rep. Kristen Marcell, a Republican:
“There is no place for violence in our society. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Governor and his family during this difficult time.”
Former Gov. Mark Schweiker, a Republican:
“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 Gov. Tom Ridge, a Republican:
“Today I share the following thoughts in light of the overnight attack on the Pennsylvania State Governor’s residence in Harrisburg:
“Michele and I are so thankful that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe after an overnight arson fire at the Governor’s residence.
“We are also grateful for the Pennsylvania State Police who alerted the family in the early morning hours.
“We know well their commitment to protecting Pennsylvania’s first families and send our gratitude for their service in the wake of this terribly upsetting event.
“The images showing the damage to the home we lived in with our children for nearly eight years are heartbreaking.
“All of us should feel safe in our homes, especially when that home is our state’s official residence, which makes this particularly shocking.
“Whoever is responsible for this attack, to both the Shapiro family and our Commonwealth, must be held to account.”
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