Less than two weeks after an arson attempt shook the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, Josh Shapiro turned heartbreak into hope, welcoming families back to the mansion lawn for the annual Easter egg hunt.
The April 13 fire, allegedly set by a man “harboring hatred” toward Shapiro, caused significant damage while the governor and his family slept upstairs. But on Tuesday, the scene had transformed: giggling preschoolers hunted for eggs, baby goats mingled with kids in a petting zoo, and laughter filled the backyard.
Abington’s Shapiro made a point to go forward with the event despite visible wreckage and ongoing repairs.“To see the smiles on these kids’ faces just brings such joy after obviously a really emotional week,” he said.
Shapiro used the moment to spotlight a $55 million proposed increase in childcare funding, along with $1,000 bonuses for early childhood educators—part of his broader support for working families across the state.
Despite charred windows and boarded-up walls, Shapiro reaffirmed his intent to continue living in the residence. “I’m not going to live in fear,” he said.
He plans to reopen part of the home by summer, host former governors in May, and return to a normal routine.
Read more about Josh Shapiro’s mindset following the arson attack in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
