A little more than a week after an arson attack Gov. Josh Shapiro, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, and their families reopened the Governor’s Residence on Tuesday to host their annual Easter egg hunt.
Dozens of preschoolers, who were invited by Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro, along with Davis and Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis, searched for prize-filled eggs spread across the residence’s rear lawn.
As the festivities were taking place, crews were working to clear out the section of the building damaged by Molotov cocktails that caused
Davis introduced the Easter Bunny and welcomed the families. He encouraged the older children to assist his daughter, Harper, on her first egg hunt.
“We are so happy to have you here at the Governor’s Residence. My name is Josh … there has been a lot of stuff going on here over the past week or so, and we have been so determined to make sure there is an Easter Egg hunt,” Shapiro told the cheering crowd of children.
Tuesday’s event offered more than just the egg hunt, including a reading by the Pennsylvania State Library, games, and a petting zoo with bunnies and baby goats.
“As I said last Sunday after an arsonist tried to burn down the Governor’s Residence, it’s not only important to get this historic building cleaned up and repaired quickly — it’s also critically important to me and Lori that we welcome visitors back here as soon as possible and make sure this continues to be a place where people from all walks of life feel welcome,” said Shapiro. “This residence is a place where we’ve lit Christmas trees, held Iftar dinners, danced at a bar mitzvah, and hunted for Easter eggs. Today’s event marks an important step forward in continuing that tradition.”
Shapiro stated his commitment to keeping the 29,000-square-foot property, which opened in 1968, accessible to the public.
The governor said he expected he would be able to sleep in the residence again starting this week.
Shapiro and Davis thanked the Governor’s Residence staff for their hard work since the attack, which led to a 38-year-old man being jailed.
An event with former governors and first ladies is planned for next month as part of efforts to restore the residence, according to Shapiro.
Speaking before the egg hunt, Shapiro stated that the fire has not impacted his budget negotiations with lawmakers in Harrisburg.
The governor said meetings with lawmakers have been held inside the house and outside on the patio.
Shapiro pointed out that workers from the Pennsylvania Department of General Services have been making repairs and gutting the fire-damaged areas of the residence.
The Pennsylvania State Police, which are responsible for the security of the first and second families, have commissioned a third-party review by a former state police commissioner of the residence’s safety and the response to the arson attack.
When questioned, Shapiro reiterated his confidence in his security detail and the overall safety of the residence.
The governor said there are already steps being taken to increase safety and security at the Governor’s Residence.
“I’m not going to live in fear,” Shapiro stated.
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