ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — A federal investigation is underway following an early morning fire on Sunday that caused damage to the headquarters of the Republican Party of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), collaborating with local law enforcement, discovered unspecified “incendiary materials” at the location, said spokesperson Cody Monday. He opted not to disclose what the materials comprised or provide additional information.
This incident comes after a wave of vandalism targeting Tesla, the electric car manufacturer led by CEO Elon Musk, who supports Republican President Donald Trump’s initiatives to reduce the federal workforce. In numerous instances, Molotov cocktails have been employed to ignite fires at Tesla dealerships, leading U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to describe it as a “wave of domestic terrorism.”
Increasing reports of attacks on properties displaying the Tesla emblem are surfacing throughout the U.S. and elsewhere globally. Although no injuries have occurred, Tesla showrooms, car lots, charging stations, and privately owned Tesla vehicles have been the focus of these attacks.
According to Lt. Jason Fejer from Albuquerque Fire Rescue, the fire department responded promptly just before 6 a.m., managing to bring the blaze under control within approximately five minutes. Fortunately, the building was vacant at the time, and there were no reported injuries. Nevertheless, the fire severely scorched the entryway and caused significant smoke damage inside the office, where three employees work full-time, as reported by Fejer and representatives of the Republican Party.
A photograph supplied by GOP representatives depicted the charred entry of the office, with debris of wood and burned insulation across the ground and a damaged, burnt door positioned to the side.
New Mexico Republican Party Chair Amy Barela noted that the GOP headquarters’ security system detected the fire, crediting the quick action of firefighters for extinguishing the flames and stopping the fire from spreading further.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller condemned arson as an act of cowardice. “Crimes driven by political motivations are unacceptable, and I appreciate our fire department’s rapid response,” said Keller, a Democrat, in a statement on Sunday afternoon. “This case is under federal investigation, and I encourage anyone with information to come forward immediately.”
Barela also observed graffiti about 50 feet (15 meters) from the entrance of the building, which read “ICE=KKK”. However, Cody Monday from the ATF declined to comment on the graffiti’s presence.
The scene also drew the involvement of FBI agents, according to Fejer, although representatives from the FBI couldn’t be reached for an immediate statement.