Alamogordo NM
3-30-2025 11:22pm

Arson at New Mexico Republican Headquarters, Amy Barela Issues Statement

The Republican Party of New Mexico's headquarters located in Albuquerque was struck by a suspected arson attack early Sunday that caused thousands of dollars of damage. 

Otero County Commissioner Amy Barela serves as state chairwoman and offered a statement to AlamogordoTownNews.org's streaming edition host Anthony Lucero which can be heard streaming live or on YouTube at https://youtu.be/0u4S_qliXe8?si=Lds0unZPT7sPe6PE . 

No one was hurt in the fire, which marked the third time since 2017 that vandals had targeted the New Mexico GOP offices.

Firefighters arrived at the headquarters just before 6am Sunday and put the fire out within a few minutes, authorities say.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue said the front entryway sustained fire and smoke damage throughout the building.

The words "ICE = KKK" were sprayed on the building, images from the scene show.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue spokesperson Jason Fejer told the Albuquerque Journal that the fire is an "active arson investigation."

AFR fire investigators were deployed to the scene, along with teams from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). 

In a statement from the Republican Party of New Mexico they stated that: 

"This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a disturbing pattern of politically motivated violence that has plagued our country—fueled in part by the silence and implicit encouragement from progressive leaders who refuse to condemn these acts. Their failure to stand against political violence has created an environment where attacks like this are not only possible but increasingly frequent.

“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,” said Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela

"We are working closely with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), local law enforcement, and federal investigators. We are committed to providing every piece of evidence necessary to bring those responsible to justice and ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We will not allow New Mexico's broken criminal justice system to dilute the seriousness of this attack. 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. 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 Democratic Party of New Mexico said it condemned the "vandalism" of the Republican Party headquarters."We firmly maintain that this sort of act has absolutely no place in our democracy," the state Democratic Party said on social media. "We hope whoever is responsible is found and held accountable."

Acts of domestic terror have been committed in the State of New Mexico against both parties with an escalation of violence. The fire follows the conviction this month of a failed Republican candidate for the New Mexico House of Representatives who carried out drive by shootings on the Albuquerque homes of Democratic officials during 2022 and 2023.

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