South Carolina Judge’s Home Destroyed in Fire Amid Political Tensions

On October 4, the oceanfront home of South Carolina Judge Diane Goodstein was destroyed by a fire, which began with an apparent explosion. The blaze occurred just weeks after Judge Goodstein ruled against the Trump Department of Justice (DOJ) by blocking the release of personal data for over 3.3 million South Carolina voters. The DOJ had sought this information to cross-check voter eligibility with Homeland Security databases.

Judge Goodstein’s family, including her husband Arnold “Arnie” Goodstein—a former Democratic state senator—and children, escaped the burning home by jumping from windows and being evacuated via kayaks due to the home’s remote location. Three people were hospitalized with injuries, including broken legs. Judge Goodstein herself was reportedly on the beach at the time.

The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division is investigating the fire, though it has not yet confirmed whether it was accidental or intentional.

The incident has intensified political debate amid growing online threats against judges who rule against Trump and his allies. Democratic Congressman Daniel Goldman accused White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and “MAGA-world” of fostering a hostile environment that may have contributed to the attack. Miller responded by accusing Democrats of supporting “leftwing terrorism” and denied responsibility, sparking a heated exchange between the two.

The investigation into the fire remains ongoing, with no official determination on the cause or motive.