The headquarters of the Republican Party in New Mexico was the target of a deliberate arson attack on Sunday, resulting in significant damage to the building’s entryway. The act, which is being described as one fueled by hatred and intolerance, also included the disturbing message “ICE=KKK” spray-painted on a wall of the Albuquerque facility.
The Republican Party of New Mexico released a statement on X (formerly Twitter), detailing the early-morning attack. The message expressed outrage over the destruction, calling it a direct assault on the party’s values, freedoms, and the right to political expression.
Amy Barela, chairwoman of the Republican Party of New Mexico, spoke out against the violence, expressing relief that no one was harmed in what could have been a tragic event. “We are deeply relieved that no one was harmed in what could have been a tragic and deadly attack,” she said. “Those who resort to violence to undermine our state and nation must be held accountable, and our state leaders must reinforce through decisive action that these cowardly attacks will not be tolerated.”
Barela emphasized that the party is working closely with federal and local authorities, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), to investigate the crime. She reiterated the party’s commitment to ensuring those responsible are held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
In a statement to the Albuquerque Journal, Daniel Garcia, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of New Mexico, condemned the attack, stressing that such violence has no place in a democracy. “We firmly maintain that this sort of act has absolutely no place in our democracy, and that peaceful discourse and organization are the only ways to approach political difference in our country,” Garcia said.
Firefighters from Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) and Bernalillo County Fire Rescue responded to the fire call just before 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Fortunately, the fire was quickly contained, with responders bringing it under control in under five minutes.
Despite the traumatic incident, Amy Barela assured that the Republican Party in New Mexico would not be intimidated. “We will not allow New Mexico’s broken criminal justice system to dilute the seriousness of this attack,” she declared. “The Republican Party of New Mexico will not be silenced. We will emerge from this stronger, more united, and more determined to fight for the people of New Mexico and the future of our country.”
Barela also invoked historical context, stating, “Let us not forget: it was the Democrat Party that once supported the formation of the KKK, pushed Jim Crow laws, and defended slavery.”
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If they catch the responsible party or parties, lock them up and throw away the keys. It is time to get hardline with hard times for these criminals.