While several political office holders faced tough challenges at the polls this week, one member of Congress faced a different kind of opposition in the form of a possible arson attempt that targeted his office.
Texas Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett‘s office was set on fire early Wednesday morning by an unidentified man. Police say that a suspect, believed to be homeless, started the blaze at the corner of Doggett’s San Antonio office building at approximately 4:15 a.m. local time, and the fire nearly reached the roof before firefighters were able to respond and put out the flame, according to the Houston Chronicle. Fortunately, the building did not appear to have been damaged much.
Police arrested a suspect who they describe as being in his 30s. They reportedly found him hopping over a fence near the office before the apprehended him. Police say he later admitted to starting the fire.
Law&Crime reached out to Doggett’s staff for comment. They have yet to respond, but the Congressman reportedly had been made aware of the incident.
So far, it’s unknown what, if any charges, have been filed in connection to the fire, which authorities believe was intentional. It’s unclear how the fire was started.
Rep. Doggett represents Texas’ 35th Congressional District, which includes southeastern parts of San Antonio and Austin. He is up for reelection this year and is being challenged by Republican David Smalling, who won the GOP primary earlier this year, and Libertarian Clark Patterson.
[Image of suspect via KXAN screengrab]