Pennsylvania taxpayers are funding approximately $1 million in security upgrades to Governor Josh Shapiro's private residence in Montgomery County. This comes after an arson attack on the governor's official residence in Harrisburg earlier this year. The improvements include physical and visual barriers and enhanced security technology. Due to safety concerns, specific details about the upgrades have not been disclosed.
The decision to enhance security was made following a security review by state police, as noted in a letter from Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris and Department of General Services Secretary Reginald McNeill. The letter also revealed additional safety upgrades totaling $32.3 million at the governor's official residence in Harrisburg, including $8 million for bulletproof and shatterproof windows.
The attack on the governor's residence occurred in April when Cody Balmer broke into the mansion and attempted to set it on fire using homemade Molotov cocktails. Balmer has since pleaded guilty to charges including attempted murder and aggravated arson and has been sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.
The upgrades have sparked scrutiny and an investigation by Republican State Senator Jarett Coleman, who is concerned about the use of taxpayer funds for modifications to the governor's private property. Coleman stated that the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee will continue to investigate the spending.
The security enhancements are part of broader efforts to protect elected officials amid rising political violence across the country. The improvements are deemed necessary to ensure the safety of the governor and his family and to maintain the operation of the executive branch.