EDISTO BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — A fire burned the beachfront home of South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Dianne Goodstein and former state senator Arnold Goodstein to the ground on Edisto Beach Saturday, leaving at least three people injured and an abundance of questions surrounding the events leading to the blaze.

Judge Goodstein was not injured in the fire. One person was transported by helicopter to the Medical University of South Carolina for treatment, while two others were taken by ground transportation after being rescued by kayak, according to first responders. Those inside were able to escape by jumping from an elevated first floor, according to St. Paul's Fire District, who responded to assist the Edisto Beach Fire Department.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) confirmed it is investigating the incident and may release more information as the case develops.

“At this time, there is no evidence to indicate the fire was intentionally set," the agency said in a statement. "SLED Agents have preliminarily found there is no evidence to support a pre-fire explosion. The investigation into the fire is still active and ongoing. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, SLED will issue a follow-up statement with additional information. I urge our citizens, elected officials, and members of the press to exercise good judgment and not share information that has not been verified.”

READ MORE | "3 people hospitalized after Edisto Beach house fire; SLED investigating"

State Judiciary, lawmakers, and attorneys react

The South Carolina Supreme Court issued statements on Saturday and Monday, confirming the state's judicial branch and Chief Justice John W. Kittredge was aware of the fire and SLED's investigation and saying that extra patrols and security were requested from local law enforcement after the incident. On Monday, the judicial branch said it would not comment on the incident further until SLED concludes its investigation.

"We respectfully suggest that common decency be followed by all in respecting the privacy of the Goodstein family during this difficult time," the state's Supreme Court's Monday release said.

The South Carolina Association for Justice, a Columbia-based organization and political action committee comprised of many of the state's trial lawyers, issued a statement Monday extending support for Judge Goodstein and those injured in the fire, and denouncing the environment of political violence and vigilantism so prevalent in the United States today.

“There has been speculation about the possibility of foul play. An attack or threat to a judge is a threat to the rule of law. 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," SCAJ President Ashley Creech said. “Our judges dedicate their lives to upholding justice and fairness under the law, setting aside personal and political beliefs to serve the public. Their work is demanding and often thankless. Every ruling means someone leaves the courtroom unhappy or even facing jail time. They deserve our full support, protection, and gratitude for the sacrifices they make to maintain justice."

State Rep. Brandon Guffey was among those speculating, writing on X that he feared the fire was "politically motivated" and that he hopes SLED prosecutes "to the fullest extent of the law if it was found to be."

Rep. Nancy Mace also called for prosecution to the fullest extent of the law if SLED's investigation turns up evidence of political violence or arson. "South Carolina is done tolerating crime, chaos, and cowardice. Justice MUST be served, swiftly and completely," she wrote on X.

Judges have been frequent targets of criticism from Trump's allies

Goodstein was criticized, though not directly by name, by US Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet K. Dhillon when she granted a temporary restraining order preventing the State Election Commission from releasing South Carolina's voter registration list to the Department of Justice. The state Supreme Court eventually ruled that the data could be turned over and a Richland County Circuit Court confirmed the SEC could continue working on the DOJ's request last week.

READ MORE | "Judge temporarily blocks S.C. Election Commission from sharing voter data with DOJ"

Other Trump administration officials have been critical of judicial actions like Goodstein's that do not align with their goals. Elon Musk railed legal challenges to the cuts he was overseeing with the Department of Government Efficiency in May before his sudden departure from the administration, Vice President JD Vance said in February that judges "aren't allowed" to control the power of the executive branch, and top White House adviser Stephen Miller labelled an Oregon district judge's Oct. 4 restraining order limiting federal mobilization of the state's National Guard in Portland "legal insurrection."

US Congressman Daniel Goldman of New York accused Miller and President Trump specifically of "doxxing and threatening" judges, including Goodstein. Miller responded, calling Goldman "deeply warped and vile" and saying the Trump administration is at the forefront of efforts to combat threats and political violence.

Goldman's claim that Judge Goodstein was targeted by an arsonist are unsubstantiated by law enforcement and first responders at this time.

Goodstein has been a state judge for 27 years, handling thousands of cases.

The General Assembly elects judges in South Carolina and when Goodstein last ran for her seat in 2022, the Judicial Merit Screening Commission noted her sterling reputation and temperament and called her an asset to the state.

Nearly two decades ago, Goodstein presided over a civil lawsuit that led to a $12 million settlement between victims of sexual abuse and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston.

She also presided in 2014 over a property dispute trial between the national Episcopal Church and the breakaway Diocese of South Carolina, which split over theological differences, including the authority of Scripture and the ordination of gays.

Last month, Goodstein blocked the Election Commission in South Carolina from releasing voter data requested by the U.S. Department of Justice. Her restraining order was lifted about a week later by the state Supreme Court, which said Goodstein failed to detail if the voter who sued would suffer irreparable harm or prove she was likely to win the suit on the merits.

State election officials said they are still working on an agreement with federal officials to make sure the privacy of the voter data is protected.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.