A South Carolina judge’s home was destroyed in a weekend fire, just days after she reportedly received death threats for ruling against the Trump administration. Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein, 69, was walking her dogs Saturday morning when her Edisto Beach home caught fire. Her husband, former Democratic lawmaker Arnold Goodstein, 81, their son, and other guests were trapped inside and escaped by jumping from an upper floor into nearby marshes. Three people were hospitalized, including Arnold, who was airlifted with serious injuries.
Chief Justice John Kittredge described the incident as “an apparent explosion” that led to a devastating blaze. Authorities are investigating whether the fire was accidental or arson. The fire follows threats made to Judge Goodstein after she ruled to block the release of 3.3 million South Carolina voters’ personal data to federal officials. The Justice Department had sought the information to identify alleged undocumented voters. Her ruling was later overturned by the state Supreme Court.
Judge Goodstein, first elected in 1998, has long been known for her independence. Law enforcement has increased patrols near her home as investigators determine the fire’s cause. The incident is an ominous warning of what is happening to political and legal discourse in America.
