Arson

Shapiro Admin Subpoenaed for Records Detailing Use of Public Funds to Upgrade Gov’s Private Home

December 11, 2025 | Spotlight PA

A GOP-led committee voted along party lines to issue subpoenas for records detailing Gov. Josh Shapiro’s use of public funds to fortify his private home following an April arson attack.

Case Against Oil City Man Accused of Setting Fire to Camper Advances in Court

October 29, 2025 | Jen Russell

A Venango County man is facing felony arson and other charges for allegedly setting fire to a camper he was being evicted from on Sunday afternoon.

Case Against Homeless Man Accused of Burning Down Vacant House Advances in Court

October 10, 2025 | Jen Russell

Police say the suspect, who is homeless, admitted on video to setting the fire that destroyed a vacant house in Cranberry Township, on the outskirts of Oil City.

OCPD: Man Torched Camper After Receiving Eviction Notice

October 8, 2025

An Oil City man is facing felony arson and other charges for allegedly setting fire to a camper he was being evicted from on Sunday afternoon.

Are Pa. Governor Mansion Repairs Going Beyond What Insurance Will Cover? Shapiro Admin Won’t Say.

September 29, 2025 | Spotlight PA

Two insurance plans cover the residence, but it’s unknown if they’ve covered anything already or how much will ultimately be covered.

Hearing for Homeless Man Charged in Oil City Arson Case Rescheduled

September 12, 2025 | Jen Russell

Police say the suspect admitted on video to setting the fire that destroyed a vacant house in Cranberry Township, on the outskirts of Oil City.

Taxpayers Billed $6M for Arson-Related Repairs to Governor’s Mansion, but Shapiro Admin Withholds Full Details

September 12, 2025 | Spotlight PA

Shapiro admin officials are shielding information about nearly a quarter of those expenses, citing security concerns.

Homeless Man Confesses to Burning Down Vacant Oil City Home

September 5, 2025 | Gavin Fish

Police say the suspect, who is homeless, admitted on video to setting the fire that destroyed a vacant house in Cranberry Township, on the outskirts of Oil City.

Big-Dollar Donors Are Helping Fund Fixes at the Governor’s Mansion. For Now, We Don’t Know Who They Are.

July 17, 2025 | Spotlight PA

The Shapiro administration has yet to say just how much repairing and upgrading the Harrisburg residence will cost after a brazen arson attack.

State Police Add Uniformed Unit, ‘Anti-Climb’ Fence to Protect Pa. Governor’s Mansion after Arson Attack

May 8, 2025 | Spotlight PA

The change follows a brazen arson attack at the Harrisburg residence where Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family stay.

Why the Law That Forces People to Get Mental Health Help Didn’t Stop the Shapiro Arson Attack

April 22, 2025 | Spotlight PA

Involuntary commitment is intended to be a last resort with a high bar. At the same time, many PA counties lack other mental health services.

Security Expert Jeffrey Miller to Provide Independent Security Review of Governor’s Residence Attack

April 20, 2025

“The public expects and deserves an independent examination of the events that transpired during this unprecedented attack on our government leadership,” said Colonel Paris.

Governor Shapiro, First Family Serve Lunch to Firefighters Who Responded to Arson at Governor’s Residence

April 18, 2025

The Governor, First Family, and Chef Irvine thanked firefighters and first responders from the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire, Progress Volunteer Fire Department, Lemoyne Volunteer Fire Department, and the Defense Logistics Agency in New Cumberland who responded early Sunday morning to the Governor’s Residence.

Independent Expert Will Review Security at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Official Residence after Arson Attack

April 17, 2025 | Spotlight PA

Top lawmakers say they won’t consider whether to hold hearings about the security breach until a review is complete, or are still weighing what actions to take.

Arson Suspect Who Allegedly Targeted Gov. Josh Shapiro Is ‘Mentally Ill,’ Mother Says

April 15, 2025 | Spotlight PA

Conversations with Cody Balmer’s neighbors and a review of public information reveal a chronically troubled man who does not seem to have a strong political ideology.

Arsonist Charged After Molotov Attack on Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg

April 14, 2025 | Gavin Fish

A Harrisburg man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he threw Molotov cocktails into the Governor’s Residence while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were inside.

Case Against Clarion Woman Accused of Staging House Fire Moves Forward; Charges Against Her Partner Dropped

January 22, 2025 | Jen Russell

Court documents show that charges against Natasha Nicole Best were held for court, while charges against Cory Eugene Smith were dismissed.

Fire Marshal Investigating Motorhome Arson in Beaver Township

November 5, 2024

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating an apparent arson after a Florida man’s motorhome was completely destroyed by fire at a storage facility in Clarion County.

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