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ATF Examining Governor's Mansion Evidence, Perry Vows to "Rebuild This Magnificent Structure"

Three days after an arsonist all but destroyed the historic Texas Governor's Mansion, authorities are still piecing together the clues left behind.

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.

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Comments [rss]

  • Grape Ape

    Understood, but no builder's insurance or anything of the sort? Seems to me like their risk mitigation plan for the renovation is pass it on the taxpayer. Good thing Perry can get an extension on the estate @ $10K per month.

  • Scooby

    GA-



    Insurance is a bet. Insurance companies are bookies, and they make good money skimming a vig off the top of the premiums. When you own as much property, dispersed as widely as the state of Texas and have as much revenue as the state gov't, it only makes sense to self-insure.



    The wasted premiums over the last 150 years would have paid for 10 replacement mansions.

  • Grape Ape

    Why in the hell did they not have insurance? That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. I guess our government is so arrogant that instead of ponying up for an actual insurance policy they just use tax payers as the insurance - WTF?!

  • thatwoman

    "Since the state-owned Mansion was not insured, it will be left to Texas taxpayers to cover the cost of reconstruction."



    Well whomever did it- their little temper tantrum is

    going to cost the rest of us! Thanks a lot you &)$@&^%!$~!!

  • tim

    Why isn't Mr. Pretty Hair himself on your poll? Seems like he'd be the top of my "persons of interest" list.

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