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Okay, which one of you did it?

dheffleydheffley Member Posts: 25,000
edited June 2008 in General Discussion
This could be a few of us!

Texas Governor's Mansion Fire Maybe Politically Motivated, Fire Marshal Says
Monday , June 16, 2008

AUSTIN, Texas -

Investigators said Monday that someone angry with the government set the Texas Governor's Mansion on fire this month, and they offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

State Fire Marshal Paul Maldonado had said last week that investigators did not believe the blaze was politically motivated, but he changed course Monday.

"It is likely that feelings of anger may have motivated his crime," Maldonado said at a news conference Monday. "He may be known to get angry and express strong opinions about the government, Governor Perry himself, the death penalty, the renovation of the mansion or other political issues."

Maldonado did not say what led investigators to that conclusion. He appealed to the arsonist himself for help solving the case.

"We do feel you had a message and we would like to hear from you. We're not quite sure what that message is, but please contact us," he said.

Maldonado said officials are not ready to release video footage of the alleged arsonist, but said investigators believe they are looking for a white male who was wearing a ball cap, a dark shirt, work-type gloves and blue jeans or cargo-style pants.

The suspect is probably physically fit because he was able to scale an 8-foot chain-link fence to get onto the mansion grounds, he said.

Investigators have said video footage shows a suspect in the early morning hours of June 8, standing in front of the Governor's Mansion, igniting an object and throwing it onto the porch of the historic landmark, creating a fireball and blaze that ravaged the 152-year-old structure.

Department of Public Safety troopers were on guard at the time.

Experts say the historic landmark is salvageable and Gov. Rick Perry has said he's committed to restoring the mansion no matter the cost. Texas first lady Anita Perry will likely lead the restoration effort, he said last week.

The Perrys had moved out of the mansion last fall for a renovation project estimated to cost $10 million. Antique furniture and other relics had been placed in storage.

The two-story Greek Revival-style house was completed in 1856.

Comments

  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427
    edited November -1
    quote:"We do feel you had a message and we would like to hear from you. We're not quite sure what that message is, but please contact us," he said.

    I have a feeling I know what the message was.

    I don't think he/she is likely to call the police to clarify.
  • savage170savage170 Member Posts: 37,572 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    There was a thread on matches [:D]
  • Horse Plains DrifterHorse Plains Drifter Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 40,245 ***** Forums Admin
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by savage170
    There was a thread on matches [:D]
    [:D][:D][:D]
  • mateomasfeomateomasfeo Member Posts: 27,143
    edited November -1
    Send in CPS from San Angelo...
  • HighballHighball Member Posts: 15,755
    edited November -1
    Seems a bit odd for somebody 'mad at the government' to destroy a 150 year old building that predates most of the government madness we are afflicted with...That building has witnessed the steady slide into madness the government has become...
  • dheffleydheffley Member Posts: 25,000
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Highball
    Seems a bit odd for somebody 'mad at the government' to destroy a 150 year old building that predates most of the government madness we are afflicted with...That building has witnessed the steady slide into madness the government has become...


    What do expect out of idiots. How many riots have you seen where fools burn their own neighborhoods?[:0]

    Makes me wonder just what percentage of the population doesn't play with a full deck![V]
  • TxsTxs Member Posts: 17,809 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by freemind
    quote:"We do feel you had a message and we would like to hear from you. We're not quite sure what that message is, but please contact us," he said.

    I have a feeling I know what the message was.I'd keep my money in my pocket if I were you.

    You apparently aren't familiar with Austin, Tx. More idealists, activists and just plain whackos per square mile than anywhere in the state.
  • Wolf.Wolf. Member Posts: 2,223 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    ====
    This is some serious $#!+ going on here!! When they say "Don't mess with Texas" they aren't just talking about littering the highways. You can bet all stops will be quietly pulled out and the guilty party found. It will probably be some contractor who got in over his head on his bid for part of the renovation.
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