Judge Diane Goodstein’s $1.5 million oceanfront home in Edisto Beach, South Carolina, was destroyed by fire over the weekend. Firefighters from St. Paul’s Fire District responded quickly on October 4, ensuring all occupants escaped safely, though three people, including Judge Goodstein’s husband, former state senator Arnold “Arnie” Goodstein, were hospitalized. Due to the home’s location, rescuers used kayaks to ferry family members to paramedics. Some relatives suffered broken bones after jumping from windows or balconies. Judge Goodstein was on the beach when the fire began.

Reports mention an “apparent explosion,” but the fire’s cause remains under investigation. The timing of the blaze has raised concerns, as Judge Goodstein had recently issued a temporary restraining order blocking the U.S. Department of Justice from accessing personal data on over 3.3 million South Carolina voters, warning of “immediate and irreparable damage.”

Goodstein has faced multiple death threats over the years related to her involvement in politically sensitive cases. State authorities, including SLED, are actively investigating the fire. The incident has reignited debates about threats to judges and political violence, sparking social media exchanges among lawmakers.

As the investigation continues, the fire stands as both a personal tragedy for the Goodstein family and a national reminder of the dangers faced by public officials in contentious cases.