Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro On Thursday, they gave more information regarding the act of vandalism by setting fire to property early Sunday, which led to the evacuation of his family from the governor’s official home in Harrisburg , detailing the story of his wife, their four children, and their two dogs named Bo and Bentley — were roused by the state police and led to safety.
After his family provided a catered meal to the Harrisburg firefighters as a gesture of gratitude for their response to the fire, Shapiro addressed the press. The incident reportedly resulted in millions of rand worth of damages to both the structure and its contents; however, fortunately, nobody sustained injuries.
A person has been accused, and the reason for the crime is being looked into.
Shapiro, a freshman Democratic member, is seen as a possible contender for the presidency in 2028.
This is what Shapiro said regarding the assault, which consumed the very same space where his family and visitors had celebrated a Passover Seder just a few hours before.
A fire broke out shortly after the holiday feast.
"We wrapped up our Seder sometime around 10 PM or so," he mentioned, adding that the guests, along with family members and others, had dispersed to the private spaces on the ground level.
“Everybody was just enjoying one another and spending time celebrating not just the holiday but each other and enjoying each other’s company,” he said. Around midnight, they went upstairs and “spent an hour yelling at the kids to go to bed and they didn’t listen.”
"Said goodnight to the kids, got the dogs situated, and I'd say probably fell asleep around 1 o’clock in the morning,” Shapiro said.
Banging on the door
“Less than an hour later, I heard yelling in the hallway, which was not like our kids' voices. It was one of the state troopers running down the hallway, and he banged on the door. I don’t know how he did it, but it wasn’t a knock. It was more of a bang,” he said.
Shapiro said he and his wife, Lori, were told there was a fire and they had to evacuate immediately.
“I would say within just a few seconds we ran to each of the doors in the hallway, to open them up and get the kids up, get the dogs up and usher everybody down a back stairwell," he said. "And we followed the troopers out to the driveway area, and we were asked multiple times if everyone was present and accounted for. They were. Troopers and Capitol Police kept us safe.” Firefighters converged on the property.
Shapiro said first responders repeatedly made sure no one was missing.
Cold and misty, in pajamas
"I recall it as a cold and somewhat foggy evening. Everyone felt quite chilled. All of us wore our pajamas. We gathered close together trying to soothe the children and maintain composure for everyone," he stated. It wasn’t until later that they understood the extent of the destruction on the opposite side of the house.
Emergency responders kept arriving.
We managed to collect some things from the house," he stated. "Afterwards, we headed off to a secure spot for everyone’s safety, and we got the children to rest. We made sure they were comfortable.
The following day, Shapiro went back to the site of the blaze.
Going back to check out the destruction
On Thursday, Shapiro and his spouse returned to the house and inspected the destruction in both the personal quarters where their family resides and the communal areas where they receive visitors.
"To witness those areas scarred with burn marks and shattered glass where joyful, significant locations once stood is difficult," he stated.
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