Authorities investigate damaging fire at New Mexico's GOP headquarters

Federal authorities are investigating a fire that occurred early Sunday morning, damaging the entrance of the Republican Party of New Mexico's headquarters in Albuquerque. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) spokesperson Cody Monday indicated that agents working with local authorities recovered unspecified "incendiary materials" from the scene, although details about these materials have not been disclosed.

This fire is part of a larger pattern of vandalism targeting Tesla, the electric-car company owned by Elon Musk. Recent incidents have included Molotov cocktails used to ignite fires at various Tesla locations, prompting U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to describe the situation as a "wave of domestic terrorism." Incidents of property damage related to Tesla branding have been reported both across the United States and internationally.

Firefighters responded to the blaze shortly before 6 a.m., managing to control it within approximately five minutes. Fortunately, the building was unoccupied and there were no injuries reported. However, the fire caused significant damage to the entrance and left extensive smoke damage throughout the office, where three employees work full-time.

New Mexico Republican Party Chair Amy Barela credited the quick response of the firefighters for preventing the fire from spreading further. A photograph provided by party representatives showed severe damage to the entrance, with debris scattered nearby, including a broken and burned door.

The incident has drawn condemnation from Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, who labeled the act as cowardly and politically motivated. He expressed gratitude for the fire department's prompt action and urged anyone with information regarding the fire to step forward. Additionally, spray paint with the message "ICE=KKK" was found on a nearby wall, further complicating the situation, as FBI agents joined ATF in the investigation.