Pennsylvania Governor Embroiled in Backyard Dispute With Neighbors

Shapiro family accused of trespassing on neighbors' land, building security fence

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:38pm

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Pennsylvania Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro is locked in a bitter property dispute with his next-door neighbors, Jeremy and Simone Mock. The Mocks have filed a federal lawsuit accusing the Shapiros of trespassing on a 2,900-square-foot strip of land between the two homes and trying to claim it as their own. The dispute arose after security concerns prompted the Shapiros to build an 8-foot security fence, but surveyors found the disputed land was actually deeded to the Mocks. The neighbors allege the Shapiros began acting as if the land belonged to them, while the governor's family is relying on Pennsylvania's adverse possession law to claim ownership.

Why it matters

The case highlights the tensions that can arise between public officials and their private neighbors, even over something as mundane as property boundaries. It also raises questions about the use of government resources, like state police, to assert control over disputed private land. The situation carries a dose of political irony, as Shapiro had previously criticized former President Trump's border wall policies.

The details

According to the lawsuit, the dispute began after an arsonist hurled a Molotov cocktail into the governor's mansion in Harrisburg while Shapiro and his family were inside celebrating Passover in April 2025. This prompted officials to review security at the governor's other home in Jenkintown. The Shapiros wanted to build an 8-foot security fence near the edge of their property, but surveyors discovered a 2,900-square-foot strip of land that was actually deeded to the Mocks. The Shapiros first tried to buy the land, but when the two sides couldn't agree on a price, the Mocks offered to lease it instead. However, the lawsuit claims the Shapiros began acting as if the land already belonged to them, planting trees and having state police patrol the area as part of the governor's security zone. The Mocks say this prevented them from accessing their own property and building their own fence.

  • In April 2025, an arsonist hurled a Molotov cocktail into the governor's mansion in Harrisburg while Shapiro and his family were inside.
  • In 2003, the Shapiro family purchased their home in Jenkintown.

The players

Josh Shapiro

The Democratic governor of Pennsylvania.

Lori Shapiro

The wife of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

Jeremy and Simone Mock

The next-door neighbors of the Shapiro family in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.