The entrance to the Republican Party of New Mexico’s headquarters was set on fire and defaced with graffiti in an alleged arson attack Sunday morning, authorities and Republican officials said.
The Albuquerque Fire Department has opened an arson investigation after flames broke out at the site just before 6 a.m. near where anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement graffiti was discovered.
The words ‘ICE = KKK’ were sprayed onto the side of the building in red paint, leading many GOP members to believe the fire was a politically motivated arson attack.
“We are deeply relieved that no one was harmed in what could have been a tragic and deadly attack. 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,” Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela said in a statement.
Firefighters were able to put out the blaze in just five minutes, limiting the flames to the entryway and preventing further damage to the Republican party HQ.
At the time of the attack, three Trump 2024 posters were featured in the front window, with additional ones posted inside the building’s walls.
The Democratic Party of New Mexico and its leaders were quick to condemn the vandalism, but had no comment regarding the fire.
“There is no excuse for political violence or vandalism of any kind, and I strongly condemn Sunday’s attack on the New Mexico Republican Party headquarters in Albuquerque. I am relieved that no one was hurt, and New Mexicans can rest assured that State Police and the Fire Marshal’s Office will assist the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms as needed during the investigation,” Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement.
The New Mexico headquarters has become a frequent target over the last few years, facing other acts of vandalism and one instance of a bomb threat.
In recent weeks, Tesla dealerships have also been hit by vandals apparently airing their grievances over the Trump administration and DOGE head and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Many of the targeted incidents have included arson attacks, with some even involving Molotov cocktails.
