Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family hosted a thank-you lunch Thursday for the firefighters who responded to an arson attack Sunday at the Governor’s Residence as crews worked restoring the state-owned facility.
Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, and their children were joined by celebrity chef Robert Irvine at Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Station No. 1 Thursday for the lunch.
The governor said the firefighters saved the residence by responding quickly to the early morning firebombing. The governor and his family were evacuated by the house by their Pennsylvania State Police security detail.
Firefighters from Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Station 1, Progress Volunteer Fire Department, Lemoyne Volunteer Fire Department, and the Defense Logistics Agency in New Cumberland responded to the blaze.
“This weekend, our family witnessed the incredible bravery and excellence of our firefighters and first responders,” said Shapiro. “These brave firefighters ran towards danger to keep us safe and today, my family and I were honored to serve them lunch and thank them not just for what they did for us — but for what they do every day to keep families all across Harrisburg safe.
Shapiro also thanked Irvine for joining them, noting the chef’s work honoring first responders and veterans. The Shapiro family and Irvine have worked together previously to give back.
The governor said his family discussed wanting to express their gratitude.
“There’s no no real words other than ‘thank you’ and there’s no way that we can fully express our great thanks other than to be dedicated to supporting our firefighters and first responders every day,” the Democratic governor said.
Shapiro discussed the attack and showed the damage in a Friday interview with “Good Morning America” co-anchor George Stephanopoulos.
The governor condemned politically motivated threats.
“I don’t care if it’s coming from the left, from the right,” said Shapiro.
State officials said Thursday that the living quarters and workspace at the Governor’s Residence would be ready to reopen within the coming days.
Pennsylvania Department of General Services Secretary Reggie McNeil issued a press release saying there is an an “aggressive restoration and construction schedule.”
Contractors are working around-the-clock on the restoration, and officials are working with the Pennsylvania State Police to address potential security upgrades, McNeil said.
“The residence is a historic symbol of public service in Pennsylvania — and we are fully committed to restoring it quickly and safely,” McNeil said
The Shapiros have not been staying at the damaged residence, which was opened in 1968, since the attack, but officials have not released where they have been staying. The Shapiros maintain a personal residence in Montgomery County.
Cody Balmer, 38, of Penbrook Borough, is in the Dauphin County jail awaiting a preliminary hearing on multiple charges, including attempted murder, in connection with the arson attack that occurred early Sunday morning.
Also on Thursday, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for a federal investigation into the incident, including whether it constitutes a hate crime.
The FBI and U.S. Department of Justice have been assisting local and state law enforcement in the wake of the attack.
“Let me be very clear, I have total and complete confidence in (Dauphin County) District Attorney Fran Chardo to charge this case as he sees fit, to analyze the evidence, to apply the law and to see the case through,” Shapiro said, adding he would respect federal prosecutor’s actions if they bring charges.
Shapiro also said it was “not helpful” for those outside the situation to weigh in on potential charges before seeing the evidence.
Advertisement
Convenient Legal Access to High Quality Cannabis Just A Few Minutes Away!
