From the Annals of Arson –  In 2008, the historic 1856 Governor’s Mansion was set ablaze by a Molotov cocktail thrown on the front porch.  Fortunately, most of the historic paintings and furniture had been removed to complete a major renovation of the historic residence. Gov. Rick Perry and his wife Anita were living in another mansion at taxpayer expense during the renovation.  The fire gutted the home.

A special commission investigated set up to investigate uncovered several security flaws. Among them, the DPS found seven security cameras not working. Some DPS staff were also not adequately trained, and at least one DPS officer not at his post. For some unknown reason, it took almost 3 years for the DPS to release surveillance video showing the arsonist throwing the fire bomb into the mansion. The video shows a shadowy figure running to the front doors, lighting a Molotov cocktail, and running away.  But to this day, the crime remains unsolved.

There is a $50,000 reward for anyone with information that leads to an arrest.  You can call Texas Crimestoppers at (800) 252-TIPS (8477) or the state fire marshal’s arson hotline at (988) 252-8477 if you think you have information that might solve this mystery.