A couple of interesting quotes in the article;
About the arsonist;
"He may be known to get angry and express strong opinions about the government, Governor Perry himself, the death penalty or other political issues," Maldonado said."
About the surveillance video;
"Maldonado said officials are not yet ready to release video surveillance of the alleged arsonist."
Sounds like they're working on getting their "lone nut" story straight for the gullible public despite the fact that security was stood down the night of the fire.
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http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=211578Officials urge Governor's Mansion arsonist to step up
6/16/2008 10:51 AM
By: News 8 Austin Staff
Maldonado said officials are not yet ready to release video surveillance.
Investigators offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the fire that badly damaged the Texas Governor's Mansion.
They also urged the arsonist to come forward.
"We promise you we will listen to your message," State Fire Marshall Paul Maldonado said.
Investigators said they still don't know what exactly that message is, but they're diligently trying to figure out what motivations led to a fire that left a historic treasure in ruins.
"He may be known to get angry and express strong opinions about the government, Governor Perry himself, the death penalty or other political issues," Maldonado said.
The Governor vowed to revive the mansion. But at this point, any theories authorities cook up lack hard evidence.
What investigators do know is that they believe the suspect is a white male between 5'9" and 6'1". He wore ball cap and gloves and is thought to be in good physical shape.
"It's highly likely that someone may have seen something suspicious that night and maybe just dismissed it or not realized the significance of what they were seeing," Maldonado said.
And though the message of the arsonist is mysterious, investigators were crystal clear about their message to him, that coming forward for his crime is his best option.
"Right now you have control over how this can be resolved and we are confident that we are going to identify you," he said.
And with a hefty reward attached investigators are now hoping the public will play a part in the process.
Maldonado said officials are not yet ready to release video surveillance of the alleged arsonist.
Anyone with information should call Texas Crime Stoppers at 1(800) 252-8477.
