Governor Josh Sapiro of Pennsylvania and his family were forced to leave their home early on Sunday morning during an incendiary attack at the Harrisburg Mansion, which caused significant damage to a portion of the building, the government said.
Mr Sapiro, a Democratic, told social media that Pennsylvania’s state police awakened himself and his family by knocking on the door around 2 in the morning to warn them of the fire that was in a different part of the house. The commander said no one was injured.
The state police and police of the Pennsylvania Capitol have removed their family, while firefighters extinguished the fire, the commander said.
“Every day, we stand on the side of the police authorities and the first correspondents running to the danger to protect our communities,” the commander said. “Last night, they did it for our family – and Lori and I are eternally grateful for keeping us safe.”
The State Police said in a statement that the fire caused “significant damage to part of the house”. Police did not determine a suspect and said an investigation was being carried out.
A few hours before the fire, Mr Sapiro, who also has a home north of Philadelphia, wrote on social media that he and his family celebrated Easter, which began Saturday’s sunset.
The images posted on social media showed firefighters fighting with the fire. Part of the mansion was covered with dark tobacco and some windows were broken.
