Officials Say Governor’s Mansion Fire Politically Motivated

AUSTIN (AP) – Investigators said Monday that the arson at the Texas Governor’s Mansion was politically motivated and offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who torched the historic building.

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

“It is likely that feelings of anger may have motivated his crime,” Maldonado said. “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.”

Speaking directly to the suspect at a news conference Monday, Maldonado said: “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.”

Maldonado said officials are not yet ready to release video footage of the alleged arsonist, but said investigators believe they are looking for a white male, between 5-foot-9 and 6-1, who was wearing a ball cap, a dark shirt, work-type gloves, 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.

In addition to a sprinkler system, the renovation project was to include new plumbing, lead paint abatement and restored windows and shutters. It was to have been completed by next spring.

Inside, paint and wallpaper had been stripped from the interior walls and experts had begun efforts to preserve the home’s ornate crown molding.

Experts said protective coverings that had been in place for the renovation may have spared the house more serious damage.

The two-story Greek Revival style house has been the official home of every Texas governor since it was completed in 1856, including Sam Houston and George W. Bush.

Anyone with information should call Texas Crime Stoppers at 1-800-252-8477.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)