South Carolina authorities have confirmed that the fire at Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein’s home was not intentionally set, pushing back against false claims circulating on social media that conservative figures were somehow involved.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) released a statement clarifying that investigators found no signs of foul play and no indication of a pre-fire explosion at the property, which belonged to Judge Goodstein and her husband, former Democratic state Senator Arnold Goodstein.
“At this time, there is no evidence to indicate the fire was intentionally set,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “SLED agents have preliminarily found there is no evidence to support a pre-fire explosion.”
The confirmation follows days of speculation from left-wing influencers and political commentators, who had baselessly accused conservative figures — including Trump adviser Stephen Miller and attorney Harmeet Dhillon — of involvement in the fire. Both have denied any connection, calling the claims “outrageous” and “politically motivated.”
Judge Goodstein, who has served on South Carolina’s First Judicial Circuit since 1998, was not home when the fire occurred. No injuries were reported.
Officials say the investigation remains open pending final forensic tests, but early findings strongly indicate an accidental cause.
