Fire investigated at home of SC judge who ruled on controversial DOJ case

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has launched an investigating into a fire at a home belonging to Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein and her husband, former Democratic state Senator Arnold Goodstein.

The fire, which broke out Saturday afternoon at the Edisto Beach home, ultimately left little more than smoldering ashes by the time it was extinguished, photos taken by Nexstar's WCBD show.

Authorities said three people were taken to the Medical University of South Carolina as a result of the blaze; one was airlifted and two others were taken by ambulance. The extent of their injuries is not known.

“Our members are saddened by the news of the fire at Judge Diane Goodstein’s home, and our hearts go out to her, her family, and all those affected," Ashley Creech, the president of the South Carolina Association for Justice, the state’s leading trial lawyers’ organization, said. What matters most right now is that Judge Goodstein is safe and that those injured are receiving the care and support they need,” said SCAJ President Ashley Creech.

Judge Goodstein recently made headlines for a controversial ruling that blocked the South Carolina Election Commission from sharing voter registration data with the Justice Department. Though the state Supreme Court later reversed that decision, it drew criticism from some in the Trump administration.  

Some have been quick to label the incident as politically-motivated, with New York Congressman Daniel Goldman writing on X: “Trump, [Stephen Miller], and MAGA-world have been doxxing and threatening judges who rule against Trump, including Judge Goodstein.”

“Will Trump speak out against the extreme right that did this??” Goldman’s post continued.  

Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, fired back on X, writing that Goldman’s assertion was “deeply warped and vile.”

“While the Trump Administration has launched the first-ever government-wide effort to combat and prosecute illegal doxing, sinister threats and political violence you continue to push despicable lies, demented smears, malicious defamation and foment unrest,” Miller added.

SLED has not confirmed whether the fire is being investigated as arson, but Creech weighed in on speculation about the possibility of foul play.

“An attack or threat to a judge is a threat to the rule of law,” Creech said. “It is deeply concerning that our current climate is such that any judge might face threats or attacks for their rulings. As a society and as a state, we must reject hostility and intimidation in all forms.”

As officials continue to work to determine what caused Goodstein’s home to erupt in flames, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R), whose congressional district includes Edisto Beach, is calling for swift action if it is determined to have been deliberate.

“If this was targeted political violence or arson, those responsible must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Mace, who is also running for governor, wrote on X. “South Carolina is done tolerating crime, chaos, and cowardice. Justice MUST be served, swiftly and completely.”