Arson Attempt Investigated

Extra lighting and increased surveillance followed an attempted firebombing early Tuesday morning of the building that is to become the William R. Grant '49 Admissions and Financial Aid Center.

Local and federal authorities were investigating the incident at the former Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house after four "Molotov cocktails" were hurled at the building sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning.

One of the incendiary devices charred a section of railing and a pillar on the northwest corner of the building, but the fire apparently self-extinguished before spreading, said William Sickinger, director of campus safety. The other devices did not ignite. Investigators on Tuesday were gathering the devices for evidence and analysis.

The case is under investigation by officials from Campus Safety, Schenectady police and fire departments, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. The incident was discovered early Tuesday morning by workers who had arrived to resume the renovation work on the building. The project is to be completed in the spring of 2001.

"This is a very serious incident and the College will cooperate fully with the investigation," said Frederick Alford, dean of students, in a memo to members of the campus community. He went on to ask anyone with information that might be helpful to the investigation to contact the Office of Campus Safety, ext. 6350.