Authorities in Minnesota said that a huge fire that destroyed a hotel project still under construction in downtown St. Paul was identified as an arson.
On Tuesday, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives announced that determination, along with the St. Paul Fire Department, St. Paul Police Department and Minnesota state fire marshal’s division.
After investigating the scene, reviewing video footage, and talking to witnesses, the investigators concluded that the fire was intentionally set. Authorities announced that no human remains were found and no death happened.
CEO Anne Behrendt of Doran Companies, the general contractor on the $69 million Seven Corners Gateway project, said in a statement that company officials are “extremely disappointed” to learn that the fire was set intentionally.
“This destructive act is a considerable setback to a project that was moving the economy forward and supporting construction workers during this time of economic uncertainty," Behrendt said.
The ATF sent members of its National Response Team to assist in the investigation. Investigators continue working on the case.
