Elected leaders from across Pa. wish Gov. Shapiro well amid arson attack on governor’s residence

This story was updated with comments from Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd and state Sen. Doug Mastriano.

Elected officials from across the state have been sending their support to Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family – in the wake of a targeted attack on the governor’s residence.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, a Republican, said on Sunday morning hours before an arrest was made that he’s “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,” Sunday wrote. “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 Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd said that her colleagues on the court “share the disbelief and outrage felt by all Pennsylvanians following the heinous attack on Governor’s 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,” Todd wrote. “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.”

Former GOP Governor Mark Schweiker called the attack, “a despicable act of cowardice.”

“Kathy and I hope all Pennsylvanians will join us in keeping Josh, Lori and their family in their prayers,” Schweiker said in a statement. “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.”

U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-2nd District) said he’s “horrified by the arson” attack that took place. 

“There is absolutely no place for this kind of violence in our state or our country,” Boyle said. “I’m relieved the governor and his family are safe, and I’m grateful to the first responders who acted quickly.”

Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, a Democrat from Philadelphia, said she was “appalled by the dangerous & despicable attack.”

“Cowardly acts of violence meant to stoke fear have no place in our state,” McClinton wrote. “I am grateful to our first responders who responded ensured that the Shapiro family & others were safe.”

Several Republicans, who are weighing a run for governor next year, also offered words of support to Shapiro.

“I’m thankful Governor Shapiro and his family are safe,” state Treasurer Stacy Garrity wrote early on Sunday afternoon. “I want to thank law enforcement and first responders for their swift response.”

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-9th District) issued a lengthy statement saying that “violence has no place in our politics—none.”

“I’m thankful that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe following last night’s terrible incident. No elected official or their loved ones—regardless of party—should ever have their safety threatened for serving the public,” Meuser wrote. “We live in a country where we resolve our differences through debate, elections, and the rule of law—not through fear, intimidation, or violence.”

Meuser went on to describe it as an “attack on the values we all share as Americans,” and added that “it is particularly disgraceful that this occurred on Passover—a sacred time of faith, freedom, and reflection.”

“He has a detachment of state police there 24/7 and a ten foot fence with complete surveillance……,” Mastriano wrote on X in response to an article from the New York Post about the incident.

Mastriano has since deleted his original that post and did not issue a statement on his social media accounts on Sunday following the press conference announcing that a Harrisburg man has been arrested in connection to the attack.

On Monday morning, Mastriano described the situation as a “serious security failure” during an interview with the John Fredericks Radio Show.

“This is a big deal,” Mastriano said. “Family needs to be off the table here.”

“There are some people out there that want to cause harm when there’s a public figure in their town,” Mastriano said. “Or they want to do stupid stuff, and this crap needs to stop.”

Mastriano added that he believes his belief that a formal investigation needs to take place by the State Police, adding, that “We can never have our public officials, no matter what we think of them, no matter what party they’re on, to be exposed to this kind of danger.”