The fire, which destroyed the South Carolina judge’s home and left three people injured, is being investigated for possible arson. Judge Diana Goodstein, a liberal judge, had faced multiple death threats after blocking a data request from the US Department of Justice.
The fire, which started around noon on Saturday, completely destroyed the three-story home belonging to Goodstein and her husband, former Democratic Senator Arnold Goodstein, located in Edisto Beach. The blaze spread rapidly through the property, destroying the four-bedroom, four-bathroom home. Goodstein was reportedly walking her dogs on the beach when the fire broke out, but her husband and children remained inside the home.
According to local media, the family had to escape by jumping from a window or balcony, which resulted in injuries, including broken legs. The South Carolina Chief Justice, John Kittredge, said that the blaze was caused by an ‘apparent explosion’ and that arson investigators were working at the scene. Although the cause of the fire remains unknown, it has prompted concerns about the safety of judicial figures in the United States.
Goodstein had argued that fulfilling the data request from the Department of Justice would violate privacy rights. Her order was later lifted by the South Carolina Supreme Court, and the election commission announced it would hold a public vote on whether to release the data to the federal government. Goodstein had received ‘multiple death threats’ following her ruling, according to various reports citing her colleagues and other sources.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of individuals in positions of authority and highlights the potential risks faced by those who challenge powerful entities in the United States. The ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire is expected to provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.