'Shameful': New Mexico GOP trades barbs with Dems after 'horrific' fire at HQ

New Mexico Republicans condemned what they called a "horrific attack" after a fire severely damaged the party's headquarters in New Mexico, which was also defaced with graffiti, and traded barbs with Democrats after blaming progressives for helping fuel such violence.

Flames ripped through the home of the Republican Party of New Mexico on Sunday. Albuquerque law enforcement and FBI officials found "incendiary materials" that can ignite flames at the building, according to the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Authorities have not said what started the blaze, but the GOP called it a "deliberate act of arson."

"Early this morning, the entryway of the Republican Party of New Mexico’s headquarters in Albuquerque was destroyed in a deliberate act of arson which also included spray painting the words ‘ICE=KKK.’ This horrific attack, fueled by hatred and intolerance, is a direct assault on our values, freedoms, and our right to political expression," the party said in a news release.

The GOP called the blaze just another in a string of similar politically motivated attacks nationwide and took a shot at Democrats, who the GOP accused of helping fuel such violence with "silence and implicit encouragement from progressive leaders who refuse to condemn these acts."

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"Their failure to stand against political violence has created an environment where attacks like this are not only possible but increasingly frequent," the Republican party said.

Amy Barela, chairwoman of the New Mexico GOP, said they were "deeply relieved that no one was harmed in what could have been a tragic and deadly attack." She called for those responsible to be held accountable and called on state leaders to "reinforce through decisive action that these cowardly attacks will not be tolerated."

The party is working with the ATF as well as local investigators, to find the perpetrators.

"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. Let us not forget: it was the Democrat Party that once supported the formation of the KKK, pushed Jim Crow laws, and defended slavery," the GOP wrote. "Today, we see the same dangerous tendencies play out in new forms—attempts to suppress free speech, silence dissent, and use fear to control the political narrative. Our fight is not just for our party—it’s for every New Mexican who wants a safer, freer, and more accountable state. We will never back down.”

The fire comes amid politically charged attacks on Tesla vehicles, dealerships and charging stations across the country.

The state's Democratic Party condemned the vandalism, saying in a statement they "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 differences in our country. We hope whoever is responsible is found and held accountable."

Jessica Velasquez, chair of the party, blasted her Republican counterparts for what she called false claims against Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM).

“It is deeply troubling that the New Mexico Senate Republicans and other members of the Republican Party are trying to weaponize the vandalism at the headquarters of their Party against Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez. They maliciously and falsely claim that the Congresswoman’s call to peaceful political organizing during a town hall meeting in Santa Fe on Saturday was incitement to violence. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“Everyone who participated in the Congresswoman’s town hall knows how peaceful and community-oriented it was - participants were even invited to rise and pass the peace. New Mexico Senate Republicans and others in their party are trying to distract from the real work the Congresswoman and Democrats do to bring people together and improve the lives of all New Mexicans. The Congresswoman deserves an apology.

Velasquez also condemned the New Mexico GOP for their silence and support of President Donald Trump's pardons of Capitol insurrectionists.

“It is shameful that many prominent New Mexico Republicans were silent or even supported Mr. Trump’s pardoning of January 6th insurrectionists, who attacked the U.S. Capitol at the behest of Mr. Trump. It is even more shamefully hypocritical that many of these same Republicans are now lying about Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez’s town hall meeting. These New Mexico Republicans should take a good long look in the mirror before trying to blame others for political violence."