No evidence fire at South Carolina judge’s home was arson ‘at this time,’ Police say

A fire destroyed the Edisto beach home of South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein and her husband, former Democratic state senator Arnold Goodstein, on Saturday, sending three people to the hospital.

Law enforcement officials, led by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), are investigating but say there is currently no evidence the fire was intentionally set or caused by a pre-fire explosion.

The FBI is aware of the incident, though the investigation remains state-led, with federal charges possible if arson is confirmed, NBC News has reported.

The fire drew immediate political speculation, with some Democrats blaming right-wing rhetoric following Goodstein’s temporary ruling blocking the Trump administration from seizing state voting records, while others warned against jumping to conclusions.

Justice Department official Harmeet Dhillon, who had publicly criticized judges challenging federal voting actions, rejected any link to the fire and condemned threats directed at her.