Crime
Overnight Fire at Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence Ruled Arson, Governor Shapiro and Family Safe
HARRISBURG, PA – An early morning fire at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence is under investigation as a suspected act of arson, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
The incident occurred around 2:03 a.m. Saturday in the 2000 block of North Front Street.
City fire crews were dispatched to the scene under Box 1-3 for reports of a building fire at the official residence.
Upon arrival, Uptown companies found no visible fire from the exterior.
However, after a more thorough investigation, firefighters discovered an active blaze on the first floor of the structure.
Two hoselines were deployed to combat the flames, and firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within approximately 20 minutes.
Primary and secondary searches of the residence were conducted, and no occupants were found in the affected area.
Governor Josh Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, and their family were home at the time but in a separate section of the residence.
They were safely evacuated without injury.
Governor Shapiro released a statement following the incident:
“Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities. Last night, they did so for our family – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.”
Authorities have not released details on how the fire was set or if any suspects have been identified.
The investigation is ongoing, and state police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
No injuries were reported, and the extent of the damage to the historic residence has not yet been fully assessed.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
An 18-year-old man has been arrested and is facing multiple felony charges in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon at a residence in Columbia, Tennessee.
According to the Columbia Police Department, officers were dispatched to a home in the 1000 block of Whatley Street around 5:30 p.m. on April 15 following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located 18-year-old Jayden Braden unresponsive inside the home, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical personnel transported Braden to Maury Regional Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Following an investigation and the development of leads, police identified the suspected shooter as 18-year-old Alijah Wolflin.
He was located at another residence in Columbia and taken into custody without incident.
Wolflin now faces several charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent felony
- Reckless endangerment
- Aggravated assault resulting in death
Authorities noted that Braden and Wolflin were known to one another and described them as “associates.” Police emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public in connection with this incident.
In response to the tragedy, Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder issued a statement expressing condolences to the families and the wider community affected by the shooting:
“As a community, we come together in the good times and in difficult times. That is what defines us. That’s who we are.
Liz and I are heartbroken by recent events in Columbia, including the loss of life of one who had a lot of life left to live; and for all of those who are impacted by this loss and tragic event — particularly the high school-aged population who knew the situation.”
No additional details have been released at this time as the investigation remains ongoing.