Transparency Denied After Governor’s Mansion Security Breach 

Last April, a man scaled the fence surrounding the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion and threw Molotov cocktails into the residence, setting fire to several rooms. Fortunately, Governor Josh Shapiro and his family escaped unharmed. 

There is absolutely no place for political violence in our commonwealth. This security breach and arson attack are deeply troubling, underscoring the importance of protecting elected officials and their families—something every Pennsylvanian should care about.  

While the attack was unquestionably a horrendous act of political violence, details about the arson remain scant. It is entirely appropriate for the administration to redact sensitive operational details related to executive protection, but that should not be used as a blanket excuse to block transparency. Serious questions remain about accountability for the security failures and the use of public funds to repair damages to the mansion.  

Taxpayers have been asked to fund a $23.34 million supplemental appropriation for the repair and security of the Governor’s Mansion. Yet, the administration has provided no public explanation for how these funds will be allocated or overseen. Additionally, Spotlight PA reports that the identities of large donors also supporting mansion repairs remain undisclosed, raising concerns about influence and potential conflicts of interest. 

The administration must release this information publicly, and it can do so without compromising security. 

To obtain answers, the Commonwealth Foundation filed a Right-to-Know request on May 22. The Shapiro administration denied the request and has refused to comply with a confidential in-camera review by the Office of Open Records—a process designed to ensure compliance with transparency laws while protecting sensitive details. 

Unfortunately, this refusal reflects a broader pattern. The Shapiro administration has fought in court to block transparency—most recently losing in the Commonwealth Court, which ruled against their attempt to withhold basic details about taxpayer-funded legal contracts. 

The Commonwealth Foundation isn’t alone in the quest for government transparency. The editorial board for The Philadelphia Inquirer demanded greater transparency, oversight, and accountability, writing: 

While the urge to safeguard detailed information about how law enforcement protects is understandable, Pennsylvanians have a right to know what a report they paid for says about the failure of the law enforcement officers they employ to protect a mansion they built and the governor they elected. 

Unequivocal denials of public information undermine government accountability and transparency—two pillars of a well-functioning democracy. For this reason, the Commonwealth Foundation urges the Office of Open Records to pursue enforcement in the Commonwealth Court, ensuring that the public’s right to know is upheld without compromising security.  

Click here to read the Commonwealth Foundation’s letter.