The Republican Party of New Mexico said its office in Albuquerque was damaged in a “deliberate act of arson.”
The organization said in a statement that someone had spray-painted the words “ICE=KKK” on the outside of its headquarters, calling it a “horrific attack” that was “fueled by hatred and intolerance” that was directed toward the party’s values, freedoms and right to political expression.
“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,” the New Mexico GOP said in its statement.
The state party’s chair, Amy Barela, said in a statement that officials were working closely with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; local law enforcement; and federal investigators to find those responsible.
Barela slammed the state’s “broken criminal justice system” and said the party would not let state leaders downplay the event.
“We are deeply relieved that no one was harmed in what could have been a tragic and deadly attack,” Barela said in a statement. “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.”
The statement included photos of the charred entrance to the office, which also featured signs supporting President Trump.
