Quit Picking On the Democrats
- Thread starter Tecumsehsbones
- Start date
Another organization handcuffed by DEI, makes one wonder if she can read after her statement
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo launches political comeback with a run for New York City mayor
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Anthony Izaguirre
Published Mar 01, 2025 • Last updated 12 hours ago • 5 minute read
NEW YORK — Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Saturday that he is running for mayor of New York City, relaunching his political career following a yearslong exile over a barrage of sexual harassment accusations.
In a 17-minute video, Cuomo pitched himself as an accomplished moderate who can save a city he described as threatening and “out of control,” and is capable of navigating the delicate balance between working with Republican President Donald Trump and fighting him, when necessary.
“I am not saying this is going to be easy. It won’t be easy, but I know we can turn the city around, and I believe I can help,” he said.
The Democrat is expected to mount a formidable campaign, despite entering the race deeply wounded by the scandal that forced his resignation as governor in 2021.
He takes on a large field of primary opponents with low name recognition plus an incumbent, Mayor Eric Adams, who — for now _ remains under indictment on federal corruption charges and under scrutiny from critics who question his independence from Trump.
Cuomo brings fundraising prowess, a record of accomplishments over three terms as governor and potential support among moderate voters who helped propel Adams to office.
Yet it is unclear whether voters are willing to give Cuomo another chance following his remarkable downfall, when he went from being hailed for his leadership during the onslaught of COVID-19 to being castigated for his behaviour with women and questioned about his pandemic response.
In his campaign video, Cuomo acknowledged past “mistakes” but did not directly address the harassment allegations.
“Did I always do everything right in my years of government service? Of course not,“ he said. ”Would I do some things differently knowing what I know now — certainly. Did I make mistakes, some painfully? Definitely, and I believe I learned from them and that I am a better person for it, and I hope to show that every day.”
Adams, caught on a city street by a Politico reporter Saturday, welcomed Cuomo to the race.
“Come one, come all. Everybody should put their position forward,” Adams said. “I have a great record to run on. We look forward to the campaign.”
Plotting a comeback
Cuomo had been circling a return to politics for years while his lawyers and political consultants kept trying to discredit his accusers.
At least 11 women credibly accused him of harassment that included unwanted kissing and touching and remarks about their looks and sex lives, according to a report released by New York’s attorney general. One aide filed a criminal complaint accusing Cuomo of grabbing her breast when they were alone in the governor’s mansion.
Cuomo denied the sexual assault allegation, which a prosecutor ultimately dropped, citing a lack of enough proof to get a conviction.
Cuomo, 67, said he did not intentionally mistreat women and had simply fallen behind the times of what was considered appropriate workplace conduct.
Taxpayers spent millions of dollars defending him and his aides against lawsuits related to the allegations.
The first woman to publicly accuse Cuomo of harassment, Lindsey Boylan, wrote in an essay published in Vanity Fair on Saturday that New York “deserves better.”
She said that rather than repent and atone, Cuomo has waged a “vengeful” legal campaign against his accusers.
“While the women who worked for and with Cuomo may no longer be subject to inappropriate behaviour, misconduct, or sexual harassment, some of us remain the victims of what could be interpreted as an ongoing campaign that weaponizes the legal system as a tactic for retribution,” Boylan wrote.
She added that even though she never sued Cuomo, she has spent $1.5 million on lawyers to respond to subpoenas in his other cases.
A crowded Democratic primary
There are already several candidates vying to beat Adams in June.
Among them are city Comptroller Brad Lander, state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, state Sen. Jessica Ramos, state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani and former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, who was a front-runner in the mayor’s race four years ago until a woman accused him of groping and kissing her without her consent 20 years earlier.
In a statement, Ramos called Cuomo a “corrupt bully” who “brings nothing to this race but baggage.”
Myrie said New York shouldn’t be forced to relive “the Andrew Cuomo show.”
“We deserve better than selfish leaders who spent decades in office putting their desire for power above New Yorkers’ needs,” Myrie said.
Adams is a vulnerable incumbent
The mayor is facing a tempest over the U.S. Justice Department’s extraordinary effort to end the criminal case against him over the objection of the prosecutors who brought the charges.
An indictment said Adams accepted luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from people who wanted to buy his influence, including a Turkish official and other foreign nationals.
After Trump took office, a top Justice Department official ordered prosecutors to dismiss the charges so Adams could focus on assisting the president’s immigration agenda, while leaving open the possibility that charges could be refiled after the election.
The dynamic led critics to claim that Adams struck a deal to help Trump’s immigration crackdown in exchange for legal salvation.
Adams has strongly denied such an arrangement, while resisting intense pressure to step down. Some of his top deputies announced plans to resign in protest.
Long rise to power, quick fall
Cuomo started in politics working for his father, former Gov. Mario Cuomo, and later became U.S. housing secretary under President Bill Clinton and New York attorney general before being elected governor in 2010.
His star power was highest during the pandemic, when his televised daily briefings attracted admirers who saw him as a steady hand during a frightening time. The briefings led to a more than $5 million book deal to write “American Crisis: Leadership Lessons From the Covid-19 Pandemic.”
But women began coming forward in late 2020 and early 2021 to accuse Cuomo of misconduct, and he faced a potential impeachment before stepping down. A state ethics panel concluded that he improperly used taxpayer resources to prepare and edit his book.
Questions about COVID-19 in nursing homes
Cuomo was further damaged by allegations that his administration unintentionally contributed to a wave of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes by initially barring them from refusing to readmit virus patients discharged from hospitals.
The governor said the allegations were baseless, but his administration was found to have substantially undercounted nursing home deaths as it sought to deflect criticism.
Cuomo still has a significant campaign war chest that, technically, he could draw on. But the process of transferring state donations to a city committee would be complicated and require each donor to sign off, a potentially burdensome effort.
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Anthony Izaguirre
Published Mar 01, 2025 • Last updated 12 hours ago • 5 minute read
NEW YORK — Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Saturday that he is running for mayor of New York City, relaunching his political career following a yearslong exile over a barrage of sexual harassment accusations.
In a 17-minute video, Cuomo pitched himself as an accomplished moderate who can save a city he described as threatening and “out of control,” and is capable of navigating the delicate balance between working with Republican President Donald Trump and fighting him, when necessary.
“I am not saying this is going to be easy. It won’t be easy, but I know we can turn the city around, and I believe I can help,” he said.
The Democrat is expected to mount a formidable campaign, despite entering the race deeply wounded by the scandal that forced his resignation as governor in 2021.
He takes on a large field of primary opponents with low name recognition plus an incumbent, Mayor Eric Adams, who — for now _ remains under indictment on federal corruption charges and under scrutiny from critics who question his independence from Trump.
Cuomo brings fundraising prowess, a record of accomplishments over three terms as governor and potential support among moderate voters who helped propel Adams to office.
Yet it is unclear whether voters are willing to give Cuomo another chance following his remarkable downfall, when he went from being hailed for his leadership during the onslaught of COVID-19 to being castigated for his behaviour with women and questioned about his pandemic response.
In his campaign video, Cuomo acknowledged past “mistakes” but did not directly address the harassment allegations.
“Did I always do everything right in my years of government service? Of course not,“ he said. ”Would I do some things differently knowing what I know now — certainly. Did I make mistakes, some painfully? Definitely, and I believe I learned from them and that I am a better person for it, and I hope to show that every day.”
Adams, caught on a city street by a Politico reporter Saturday, welcomed Cuomo to the race.
“Come one, come all. Everybody should put their position forward,” Adams said. “I have a great record to run on. We look forward to the campaign.”
Plotting a comeback
Cuomo had been circling a return to politics for years while his lawyers and political consultants kept trying to discredit his accusers.
At least 11 women credibly accused him of harassment that included unwanted kissing and touching and remarks about their looks and sex lives, according to a report released by New York’s attorney general. One aide filed a criminal complaint accusing Cuomo of grabbing her breast when they were alone in the governor’s mansion.
Cuomo denied the sexual assault allegation, which a prosecutor ultimately dropped, citing a lack of enough proof to get a conviction.
Cuomo, 67, said he did not intentionally mistreat women and had simply fallen behind the times of what was considered appropriate workplace conduct.
Taxpayers spent millions of dollars defending him and his aides against lawsuits related to the allegations.
The first woman to publicly accuse Cuomo of harassment, Lindsey Boylan, wrote in an essay published in Vanity Fair on Saturday that New York “deserves better.”
She said that rather than repent and atone, Cuomo has waged a “vengeful” legal campaign against his accusers.
“While the women who worked for and with Cuomo may no longer be subject to inappropriate behaviour, misconduct, or sexual harassment, some of us remain the victims of what could be interpreted as an ongoing campaign that weaponizes the legal system as a tactic for retribution,” Boylan wrote.
She added that even though she never sued Cuomo, she has spent $1.5 million on lawyers to respond to subpoenas in his other cases.
A crowded Democratic primary
There are already several candidates vying to beat Adams in June.
Among them are city Comptroller Brad Lander, state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, state Sen. Jessica Ramos, state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani and former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, who was a front-runner in the mayor’s race four years ago until a woman accused him of groping and kissing her without her consent 20 years earlier.
In a statement, Ramos called Cuomo a “corrupt bully” who “brings nothing to this race but baggage.”
Myrie said New York shouldn’t be forced to relive “the Andrew Cuomo show.”
“We deserve better than selfish leaders who spent decades in office putting their desire for power above New Yorkers’ needs,” Myrie said.
Adams is a vulnerable incumbent
The mayor is facing a tempest over the U.S. Justice Department’s extraordinary effort to end the criminal case against him over the objection of the prosecutors who brought the charges.
An indictment said Adams accepted luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from people who wanted to buy his influence, including a Turkish official and other foreign nationals.
After Trump took office, a top Justice Department official ordered prosecutors to dismiss the charges so Adams could focus on assisting the president’s immigration agenda, while leaving open the possibility that charges could be refiled after the election.
The dynamic led critics to claim that Adams struck a deal to help Trump’s immigration crackdown in exchange for legal salvation.
Adams has strongly denied such an arrangement, while resisting intense pressure to step down. Some of his top deputies announced plans to resign in protest.
Long rise to power, quick fall
Cuomo started in politics working for his father, former Gov. Mario Cuomo, and later became U.S. housing secretary under President Bill Clinton and New York attorney general before being elected governor in 2010.
His star power was highest during the pandemic, when his televised daily briefings attracted admirers who saw him as a steady hand during a frightening time. The briefings led to a more than $5 million book deal to write “American Crisis: Leadership Lessons From the Covid-19 Pandemic.”
But women began coming forward in late 2020 and early 2021 to accuse Cuomo of misconduct, and he faced a potential impeachment before stepping down. A state ethics panel concluded that he improperly used taxpayer resources to prepare and edit his book.
Questions about COVID-19 in nursing homes
Cuomo was further damaged by allegations that his administration unintentionally contributed to a wave of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes by initially barring them from refusing to readmit virus patients discharged from hospitals.
The governor said the allegations were baseless, but his administration was found to have substantially undercounted nursing home deaths as it sought to deflect criticism.
Cuomo still has a significant campaign war chest that, technically, he could draw on. But the process of transferring state donations to a city committee would be complicated and require each donor to sign off, a potentially burdensome effort.
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo launches political comeback with a run for New York City mayor
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Saturday that he is running for mayor of New York City.
Woke Boston mayor slammed for offering condolences to armed man killed by off-duty cop
Author of the article
enette Wilford
Published Mar 03, 2025 • 2 minute read
In the wake of an off-duty Boston police officer fatally shooting an armed man over the weekend, the city’s mayor and other officials have been criticized for their reaction to the deadly incident.
Mayor Michelle Wu offered her condolences to the family of the unidentified attacker who was gunned down by the cop at a Chick-Fil-A restaurant on Saturday.
Boston police said two people fearing for their life ran into the Copley Square location while being chased by a man wielding a knife shortly before 5:30 p.m. ET, WBTS reported.
The cop identified himself and ordered the suspect to drop his knife, but when the man refused to comply, the officer shot him.
The suspect was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the outlet.
No additional injuries were reported.
The first words out of Wu’s mouth at a news conference following the incident wasn’t about the officer involved but, rather, the death of the wannabe stabber.
“My condolences and all of our thoughts are with the family of the individual whose life has been lost,” the Democratic mayor told reporters.
Wu continued: “I am also thinking of all the people who were impacted here today in one of the busier parts of the city with this tragedy.
She added: “I’m glad the officer is safe and very grateful for a quick response from all of our first responders.”
Bostonians were shocked and in disbelief over the mayor’s priorities when it came to condolences.
“Boston Mayor Michelle Wu reacted by bizarrely giving condolences TO THE ATTACKER,” animator Paul A. Szypula wrote on X. “Democrat leaders treat criminals as victims.”
Another person noted: “It’s concerning when leaders focus on offering sympathy to criminals instead of prioritizing the safety and well-being of their communities.”
A third user pointed out: “Seriously?!?!?! Smfh! How about showing concern for the people who this individual tried to attack and were in fear for their lives! Maybe if this idiot DIDN’T TRY STABBING A BUNCH OF RANDOM PEOPLE he would still be alive!”
Wu was joined by other city officials who grieved the loss of the attacker including Suffolk County, Mass., District Attorney Kevin Hayden — whose office is leading the investigation — offering “thoughts and prayers” to the deceased would-be assailant, according to the New York Post.
The D.A. said investigators have a large number of witnesses, but believe there may have been more people involved in what led up to the violence, WBTS reported.
“We ask them to step forward,” Hayden said of the active, ongoing investigation.
“We need the help of everybody that knows anything about what happened here if we’re to get to the bottom of it.”
nypost.com
nbcboston.com
torontosun.com
Author of the article
enette WilfordPublished Mar 03, 2025 • 2 minute read
In the wake of an off-duty Boston police officer fatally shooting an armed man over the weekend, the city’s mayor and other officials have been criticized for their reaction to the deadly incident.
Mayor Michelle Wu offered her condolences to the family of the unidentified attacker who was gunned down by the cop at a Chick-Fil-A restaurant on Saturday.
Boston police said two people fearing for their life ran into the Copley Square location while being chased by a man wielding a knife shortly before 5:30 p.m. ET, WBTS reported.
The cop identified himself and ordered the suspect to drop his knife, but when the man refused to comply, the officer shot him.
The suspect was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the outlet.
No additional injuries were reported.
The first words out of Wu’s mouth at a news conference following the incident wasn’t about the officer involved but, rather, the death of the wannabe stabber.
“My condolences and all of our thoughts are with the family of the individual whose life has been lost,” the Democratic mayor told reporters.
Wu continued: “I am also thinking of all the people who were impacted here today in one of the busier parts of the city with this tragedy.
She added: “I’m glad the officer is safe and very grateful for a quick response from all of our first responders.”
Bostonians were shocked and in disbelief over the mayor’s priorities when it came to condolences.
“Boston Mayor Michelle Wu reacted by bizarrely giving condolences TO THE ATTACKER,” animator Paul A. Szypula wrote on X. “Democrat leaders treat criminals as victims.”
Another person noted: “It’s concerning when leaders focus on offering sympathy to criminals instead of prioritizing the safety and well-being of their communities.”
A third user pointed out: “Seriously?!?!?! Smfh! How about showing concern for the people who this individual tried to attack and were in fear for their lives! Maybe if this idiot DIDN’T TRY STABBING A BUNCH OF RANDOM PEOPLE he would still be alive!”
Wu was joined by other city officials who grieved the loss of the attacker including Suffolk County, Mass., District Attorney Kevin Hayden — whose office is leading the investigation — offering “thoughts and prayers” to the deceased would-be assailant, according to the New York Post.
The D.A. said investigators have a large number of witnesses, but believe there may have been more people involved in what led up to the violence, WBTS reported.
“We ask them to step forward,” Hayden said of the active, ongoing investigation.
“We need the help of everybody that knows anything about what happened here if we’re to get to the bottom of it.”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, other ‘woke’ city officials offer condolences to kin of armed maniac shot by off-duty cop at Chick-fil-A
The cop identified himself and ordered the suspect to drop his knife. When the armed maniac didn’t comply, the officer shot him.
nypost.com
Off-duty police officer shot and killed armed man at Back Bay Chick-fil-A, police say
An off-duty Boston police officer shot and killed an armed man at a Chick-fil-A in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood Saturday evening, according to Boston police.
nbcboston.com
Woke Boston mayor slammed for offering condolences to armed man killed by off-duty cop
Mayor Michelle Wu offered her condolences to the family of the unidentified attacker who was gunned down by a cop on Saturday.
Suspect arrested in arson that forced Pennsylvania governor, family to flee
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Marc Levy
Published Apr 13, 2025 • Last updated 6 hours ago • 4 minute read
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A man scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and broke into the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion where he set a fire that left significant damage and forced Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family and guests to evacuate the building, authorities said Sunday.
The man, captured later in the day, will face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault, authorities said.
Shapiro said he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family had celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover at the residence on Saturday and were awakened by state troopers pounding on their doors at about 2 a.m. Sunday. They fled and the fire was extinguished, officials said. No one was injured.
At a Sunday evening news conference in front of the badly damaged south wing of the governor’s residence, Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris identified the man in custody as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg.
Shapiro says he’s unbowed
Paris emphasized that the investigation is continuing. Authorities did not disclose the man’s motive, but an emotional Shapiro — who is viewed as a potential White House contender for the Democratic Party in 2028 — said he is unbowed.
Shapiro said that if Balmer was trying to stop him from doing his job, then he’ll work harder, and he added that Balmer will not stop him from observing his faith.
“When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover” and the exodus of the Jews from slavery in Egypt to freedom, Shapiro said. “I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempts to put on me by attacking us as they did here last night. I refuse to let anyone who had evil intentions like that stop me from doing the work that I love.”
Suspect hopped security fence, officials say
Authorities said the suspect hopped over a nearly 7-foot-high (2.1-metre-high) iron security fence surrounding the property, eluded officers who became aware of the breach and forcibly entered the residence before setting it on fire.
Lt.-Col. George Bivens said Balmer had a homemade incendiary device — he wouldn’t describe what kind — and appeared to have carefully planned the attack. He was inside the residence for about a minute before he escaped, Bivens said.
Bivens said Balmer was later arrested in the area.
Shapiro said the fire was set in the very room where the families celebrated Passover with a seder with members of Harrisburg’s Jewish community on Saturday night.
‘Have to be better than this’
“We don’t know the person’s specific motive yet,” Shapiro told the news conference. “But we do know a few truths. First: This type of violence is not OK. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another or one particular person or another. It is not OK, and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”
The fire badly damaged the inside of the large room that is often used for entertaining crowds and art displays. Large west- and south-facing windows were completely missing their glass panes, shattered glass littered the pathways and doors stood ajar amid signs of charring. Window panes and brick around doors and windows were blackened and charred.
Inside, a charred piano, tables, walls, metal buffet serving dishes and more could be seen through broken windows and fire-blackened doors.
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was called to the residence and put out the fire at the Susquehanna Riverfront mansion. Shapiro and his family had been sleeping in a different part of the residence, police said.
Pledges of help from Justice Department, other agencies
Shapiro said he had received pledges of help from the Department of Justice, the FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office, as well as numerous messages of support from fellow governors and others.
Yellow tape cordoned an alleyway on the residence’s south side, where investigators sawed off a section from the top of the security fence. They wrapped it in heavy black plastic and took it away in a vehicle.
Shapiro splits his time between the mansion that has housed governors since it was built in the 1960s and a home in Abington, about 160 km east. He posted a photograph on social media Saturday of the family’s Passover seder table at the residence.
“Thanks be to God that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack,” Vice-President JD Vance posted to X. “Really disgusting violence, and I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice.”
Former Pennsylvania governor Mark Schweiker, a Republican, called the attack a “despicable act of cowardice” and said he hoped Pennsylvanians joined he and his wife in keeping the Shapiros in their prayers.
Former governor Tom Ridge, also a Republican, said images of the damage to the residence where he lived for eight years with his family were “heartbreaking” and said the attack on the official residence was shocking.
“Whoever is responsible for this attack — to both the Shapiro family and our Commonwealth — must be held to account,” Ridge said.
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Marc Levy
Published Apr 13, 2025 • Last updated 6 hours ago • 4 minute read
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A man scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and broke into the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion where he set a fire that left significant damage and forced Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family and guests to evacuate the building, authorities said Sunday.
The man, captured later in the day, will face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault, authorities said.
Shapiro said he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family had celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover at the residence on Saturday and were awakened by state troopers pounding on their doors at about 2 a.m. Sunday. They fled and the fire was extinguished, officials said. No one was injured.
At a Sunday evening news conference in front of the badly damaged south wing of the governor’s residence, Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris identified the man in custody as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg.
Shapiro says he’s unbowed
Paris emphasized that the investigation is continuing. Authorities did not disclose the man’s motive, but an emotional Shapiro — who is viewed as a potential White House contender for the Democratic Party in 2028 — said he is unbowed.
Shapiro said that if Balmer was trying to stop him from doing his job, then he’ll work harder, and he added that Balmer will not stop him from observing his faith.
“When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover” and the exodus of the Jews from slavery in Egypt to freedom, Shapiro said. “I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempts to put on me by attacking us as they did here last night. I refuse to let anyone who had evil intentions like that stop me from doing the work that I love.”
Suspect hopped security fence, officials say
Authorities said the suspect hopped over a nearly 7-foot-high (2.1-metre-high) iron security fence surrounding the property, eluded officers who became aware of the breach and forcibly entered the residence before setting it on fire.
Lt.-Col. George Bivens said Balmer had a homemade incendiary device — he wouldn’t describe what kind — and appeared to have carefully planned the attack. He was inside the residence for about a minute before he escaped, Bivens said.
Bivens said Balmer was later arrested in the area.
Shapiro said the fire was set in the very room where the families celebrated Passover with a seder with members of Harrisburg’s Jewish community on Saturday night.
‘Have to be better than this’
“We don’t know the person’s specific motive yet,” Shapiro told the news conference. “But we do know a few truths. First: This type of violence is not OK. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another or one particular person or another. It is not OK, and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”
The fire badly damaged the inside of the large room that is often used for entertaining crowds and art displays. Large west- and south-facing windows were completely missing their glass panes, shattered glass littered the pathways and doors stood ajar amid signs of charring. Window panes and brick around doors and windows were blackened and charred.
Inside, a charred piano, tables, walls, metal buffet serving dishes and more could be seen through broken windows and fire-blackened doors.
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was called to the residence and put out the fire at the Susquehanna Riverfront mansion. Shapiro and his family had been sleeping in a different part of the residence, police said.
Pledges of help from Justice Department, other agencies
Shapiro said he had received pledges of help from the Department of Justice, the FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office, as well as numerous messages of support from fellow governors and others.
Yellow tape cordoned an alleyway on the residence’s south side, where investigators sawed off a section from the top of the security fence. They wrapped it in heavy black plastic and took it away in a vehicle.
Shapiro splits his time between the mansion that has housed governors since it was built in the 1960s and a home in Abington, about 160 km east. He posted a photograph on social media Saturday of the family’s Passover seder table at the residence.
“Thanks be to God that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack,” Vice-President JD Vance posted to X. “Really disgusting violence, and I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice.”
Former Pennsylvania governor Mark Schweiker, a Republican, called the attack a “despicable act of cowardice” and said he hoped Pennsylvanians joined he and his wife in keeping the Shapiros in their prayers.
Former governor Tom Ridge, also a Republican, said images of the damage to the residence where he lived for eight years with his family were “heartbreaking” and said the attack on the official residence was shocking.
“Whoever is responsible for this attack — to both the Shapiro family and our Commonwealth — must be held to account,” Ridge said.
Suspect arrested in arson that forced Pennsylvania governor, family to flee
Police said officers evacuated Gov. Josh Shapiro and family from the official governor's residence after someone set fire to the building.