Press Release —

AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton and OAG Director of Law Enforcement David Maxwell released the following statements following the announcement that the 2013 explosion in West, Texas, was caused by an intentionally-set fire:

 “The devastating explosion in West impacted all Texans, especially those who lost loved ones that day, and forever changed that tightly-knit community,” Attorney General Ken Paxton said. “I applaud the diligence of the federal, state, and local agencies who are working tirelessly on this case and will assist in any way to ensure that the perpetrators responsible for this devastating act are found and brought to justice.”

“Our office stands ready and willing to assist local prosecutors in pursuing the potential criminal acts behind this catastrophe that claimed the lives of 15 Texans,” OAG Director of Law Enforcement David Maxwell said. “So many law enforcement professionals have already done tedious and exceptional work to present these findings released today.  We will gladly assist in any way possible in the days ahead to expose the criminals behind this heinous crime.”