ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (AP) — Federal authorities are looking into an early morning fire that caused damage to the entrance of the Republican Party of New Mexico headquarters in Albuquerque on Sunday. Officials recovered unspecified “incendiary materials” at the site, as stated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives spokesperson Cody Monday. No further details about the materials have been disclosed at this time.
This incident comes after a series of vandalisms targeting Tesla, the electric car company led by Elon Musk who supports President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce. Some of the previous attacks involved Molotov cocktails being used to ignite fires at Tesla dealerships. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has labeled this as a “wave of domestic terrorism.”
Acts of vandalism against properties associated with Elon Musk’s company are on the rise both in the U.S. and abroad. While there have been no reported injuries, various Tesla locations such as showrooms, car lots, charging stations, and private vehicles have been targeted.
The fire at the GOP headquarters was swiftly contained by firefighters who responded just before 6 a.m., bringing it under control within five minutes, according to Lt. Jason Fejer from Albuquerque Fire Rescue. Fortunately, the building was empty at the time, and no injuries were reported. However, the entrance sustained severe burns and smoke damage affected the office where three employees are based.
A photo provided by GOP officials displayed the scorched entrance with debris strewn about. An injured door was visible on the side. New Mexico Republican Party Chair Amy Barela commended the firefighters for their prompt response in extinguishing the flames and preventing further damage.
Barela mentioned that spray paint with the message “ICE=KKK” was found on the building’s side, approximately 50 feet away from the entrance. ATF spokesperson Cody declined to provide details on the graffiti. The FBI also had agents present at the scene for investigation, although they were not immediately available for comment.
