Pennsylvania's treasurer, Republican Stacy Garrity, announced on Thursday that she is refusing to approve payments exceeding $1 million for security systems and upgrades at the private residence of Governor Josh Shapiro. The improvements were implemented after an intruder set fire to the state-owned governor's mansion last year in an attempt to assassinate the Democrat.
Legal Concerns Over Taxpayer Funds
Garrity stated that there is no legal basis for using taxpayer money to reimburse contractors for security enhancements on private property, even if it belongs to the governor. The Pennsylvania State Police had submitted the reimbursement requests to the Treasury Department, but Garrity argued they "appear to have simply ignored the statutory limits and restrictions on spending and procurement."
The treasurer suggested alternative ways to fund the already-completed work, which includes a security fence. These options include seeking explicit legislative authorization or entering the state's settlement process for disputes between contractors and state agencies.
Political Context
Governor Shapiro, considered a potential top contender for the White House in the 2028 presidential election, is running for re-election this year. Garrity is expected to be his main opponent in the fall election, having been endorsed by the state GOP and running uncontested for the Republican nomination in Pennsylvania's May 19 primary.
Garrity insisted her decision was not politically motivated, stating, "I don't play these kind of political games." The state police had no immediate comment on her decision.
Details of the Security Upgrades
The upgrades at the governor's residence were kept largely confidential until the state police informed lawmakers in a letter last fall. The Cabinet official in charge of state property wrote that "the threat to a high-profile elected official like Governor Shapiro does not end when he leaves the Governor's Residence."
Officials have not disclosed the specific upgrades, citing safety concerns. Shapiro, his wife, and two of his four children continue to live in their private home in Abington, a suburb of Philadelphia. The upgrades have also led to legal disputes between the Shapiros and a neighbor over land ownership.
Last year, lawmakers approved over $22 million for renovations and security improvements at the state-owned governor's residence, where the Shapiros often stay. These included an "anti-climb" iron fence taller than the one scaled by the intruder, Cody Balmer.
Background on the Attack
Balmer pleaded guilty to attempted murder of Shapiro and was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison under a plea deal. He had climbed over a 7-foot fence, evaded two state troopers, and used beer bottles filled with gasoline to set fire to the residence just hours after Shapiro hosted a Passover seder. The fire forced the Shapiro family to flee and caused extensive damage to the 1960s-era mansion along the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg, which has since been renovated.
