ATF Examining Governor's Mansion Evidence, Perry Vows to "Rebuild This Magnificent Structure"
Officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) are expected to present more concrete facts about the case later today. While no suspects have yet been named — to tide you over, some of the staff have offered up a list of "suspects" in the poll to the right — a 'person of interest' was reportedly caught on video. According to KXAN, the state fire marshal is still deciding whether or not to show this footage to the press. Further hindering the investigation is the fact that several cameras were 'not operational' during the fire.
Governor Rick Perry and his wife arrived home from their European vacation yesterday, and went to have a look at the damage himself. Earlier this morning, he had an emotional chat with reporters:"I am committed to making sure that this tragedy will be but a small mark on the timeline of our state's remarkable history" said Gov. Perry. "We will restore. We will renew. And we will rebuild this magnificent structure so that future generations may gaze upon its beauty and appreciate its history."
Since the state-owned Mansion was not insured, it will be left to Texas taxpayers to cover the cost of reconstruction. The Heritage Society of Austin has already set up a charity fund to kick-start these efforts, with all proceeds earmarked for "supplementary needs" and not the building itself.
