Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro Countersues Neighbors in Boundary Dispute

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and two of his neighbors, Jonathan and Simone Mock, have filed lawsuits against each other over a strip of land at the governor's private residence in Montgomery County. The dispute began when the Shapiros proposed building an 8-foot security fence on the property near the common boundary line between the two homes. After failed attempts to purchase or lease the disputed land from the Mocks, the governor's office allegedly deployed state police to seize the property, leading the Mocks to file a lawsuit accusing Shapiro of an "outrageous abuse of power." Shapiro has countersued, arguing the Shapiros had long maintained the land in question.

Why it matters

The dispute between the governor and his neighbors highlights the challenges public officials can face in maintaining security and privacy at their private residences. It also raises questions about the appropriate use of government resources and authority in personal property disputes.

The details

According to court documents, the Shapiros and the Mocks share a common boundary line at the governor's private home in Abington, Pennsylvania. In July 2025, the Shapiros met with the Mocks about building an 8-foot security fence on their property near the boundary. After the Mocks and Shapiros were unable to agree on a price for the Mocks to sell a portion of their land, the Mocks claim the governor's office later deployed state police to seize the disputed property. The Mocks have accused Shapiro and the state attorney general of an "outrageous abuse of power." Shapiro has countersued, arguing the Shapiros had long maintained the land in question and that a fence and tree line had already been constructed on the property before 2003.

• In July 2025, the Shapiros met with the Mocks about building an 8-foot security fence on their property near the common boundary line.
• In April 2025, the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg was intentionally set on fire in an attempt to harm the governor and his family.
• In August 2025, counsel for Shapiro said the governor would take "alternative actions" to obtain the portion of the property originally offered for purchase.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge will likely need to rule on the competing lawsuits filed by Governor Shapiro and the Mock family to determine the rightful ownership of the disputed strip of land.