ATF, U.S. Park Service Offer Up To $7,500 Reward in Christmas Morning Arson
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New Orleans Field Division, the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior, along with the FBI are investigating a fire set to the structure of the childhood home of former U.S. President Bill Clinton in the early morning hours of Dec. 25, 2015.
ATF is offering a reward in the amount of up to $5,000, with the U.S. Park Service offering a reward of up to $2,500 for a total of up to $7,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person (s) responsible for the fire that has been ruled arson.
“The National Park Service appreciates the assistance from the ATF, Arkansas State Troopers, Hope Police Department and the local community in locating the person (s) responsible for this fire,” said President William Jefferson Clinton Home Superintendent, Tarona Armstrong. “We’re working hard to repair the damages so we can preserve this national historic site for future generations.”
On Dec. 25, in the early morning hours, a passing motorist reported the fire to the local authorities. ATF special agent certified fire investigators arrived on-scene bringing their expertise to this investigation.
“Fires are serious, and potentially deadly to the community and those firefighters who respond to them,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Constance Hester. “Arson is a crime of violence, and this fire was intentionally set. ATF and our law enforcement partners are asking for the public’s help in solving this crime.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the ATF Hotline at 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473). Callers can remain anonymous.
President Clinton lived at this house with his grandparents for four years after his birth in 1946, according to Arkansas’ state website. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
ATF is the federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for investigating crimes of arson.