Fire ravages judge Diane Goodstein’s home amid criticism and death threats from Trump aide

Judge Goodstein’s Edisto Beach home burnt

An intense blaze engulfed the waterfront home of South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein and her husband, former Democratic state Senator Arnold Goodstein, on Saturday, October 4, leaving three people hospitalized, authorities confirmed. The fire erupted around midday at the couple’s Edisto Beach residence, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky. According to The Post and Courier, Arnold Goodstein leapt from the first floor to escape the flames.

Judge Goodstein was not home at the time, but multiple family members were present. Neighbors and paramedics rescued Arnold Goodstein and two others from a marshy area behind the three-story house using kayaks, the St. Paul’s Fire District confirmed. Colleton County Fire Rescue Captain KC Campbell said one person was airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina, while the other two were taken by ground. Sources told FITSNews that Arnold sustained multiple fractures to his hips, legs, and feet from the jump. The property, a four-bedroom, four-bathroom home, is valued at $1,155,200.

State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Chief Mark Keel said on Monday that investigators had found no evidence suggesting the fire was intentionally set. “At this time, there is no evidence to indicate the fire was intentionally set. SLED agents have preliminarily found there is no evidence to support a pre-fire explosion,” Keel said, adding that the investigation is ongoing.

The fire has drawn attention due to Judge Goodstein’s recent rulings. Last month, she blocked the South Carolina Election Commission from releasing voter data requested by the U.S. Department of Justice, a decision later overturned by the state Supreme Court.

Sources told FITSNews that Judge Goodstein has received multiple death threats in recent weeks. The outlet highlighted that Harmeet Dhillon, Trump’s Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, allegedly targeted Goodstein approximately a month ago on social media platform X. Stephen Miller also criticized “far-left Democrat judges” for “shielding” left-wing terrorism, FITSNews reported.

A month ago, Trump’s AAG Harmeet Dhillon targeted South Carolina Judge Diane Goodstein. Yesterday, Stephen Miller went after all “far-left Democrat judges,” accusing them of “shielding” left-wing terrorism.

Today, Judge Goodstein’s home exploded into flames while her husband,… pic.twitter.com/j3wfc7DmoP

— This Will Hold (@ThisWillHold2) October 6, 2025

Diane Goodstein has served as a Circuit Court judge since May 1998, overseeing thousands of cases. Her husband, Arnold, represented Charleston County in the South Carolina House and Senate in the 1970s and headed Summerville Homes, which filed for bankruptcy in 2008. The couple shares two children, Arnold Samuel Goodstein II and Eve Schafer Goodstein.

Keel urged the public and media to avoid spreading unverified information. “I urge our citizens, elected officials, and members of the press to exercise good judgement and not share information that has not been verified,” he wrote.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials are expected to issue a full report once the inquiry is completed.
(With AP Inputs)