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New Mexico GOP chief accuses Democratic rep of 'contradictory' rhetoric after alleged arson attack

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New Mexico GOP chief accuses Democratic rep of 'contradictory' rhetoric after alleged arson attack


New Mexico GOP Chairwoman Amy Barela called out Democrats’ inflammatory rhetoric Monday after an alleged arsonist targeted the state Republican Party’s headquarters over the weekend.

Her comments came after New Mexico Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández encouraged Democrats to “respond” to the Trump administration’s changes with a “three-prong project” during a “Republican Ripoff” town hall.

“Legislate. Litigate. Agitate. And you guys are part of the agitate party, so don’t feel like we are hopeless or helpless when we express our outrage,” Leger Fernández told an audience in Santa Fe on Saturday, one day before the attack. 

ALBUQUERQUE GOP HEADQUARTERS TARGETED IN ALLEGED ARSON: ‘DIRECT ASSAULT ON OUR VALUES’

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An arson attack against the New Mexico Republican Party created concerns about inflammatory rhetoric allegedly coming from Democrats. (New Mexico Republican Party)

She brought down the temperature in an X post after the attack on Sunday, calling political violence “unacceptable,” and adding that perpetrators must be “held accountable” so every American can “freely and safely participate” in democracy. 

“At my town hall yesterday, I spoke about love in action – about the importance of showing respect and listening. That is what we need right now,” she added.

Barela was quick to point out the timeliness of the attack, however, pointing to the “agitate” remark as a potential inciter.

“I believe that she changed her statement as soon as I came out to the media and was calling her out on those statements. You’re holding a town hall to discuss about the love of the community, and you use the words ‘agitate.’ I think it’s contradictory,” she said on “Fox & Friends.” 

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15-YEAR-OLD BOY NOW FOURTH SUSPECT CHARGED WITH HOMICIDE IN NEW MEXICO MASS SHOOTING

AFD investigating alleged arson attempt

The Albuquerque Fire Department was called to an alleged arson attempt at the Republican Party of New Mexico’s headquarters in Albuquerque early Sunday morning.  (Albuquerque Fire Department Facebook)

Though the incident is still under investigation, Barela said an incendiary device was planted outside the GOP headquarters’ doorway around 1 a.m. Sunday and was ignited around 5 a.m.

Graffiti reading “ICE = KKK” was spray-painted on the side of the building as well.

Though no one was inside at the time, Barela said she fears for the “safety of [her] staff” in light of a wave of violent protests sweeping the nation.

She called on Democrats to “come to the table and work together” to fix New Mexico’s crime problems instead of “calling out for violence and destruction.”

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Authorities are now investigating the incident as a hate crime, though officials have yet to determine an exact cause or motive, local outlet KOAT-TV in Albuquerque reported.

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Leger Fernández said in a statement to the outlet, “Political violence of any sort is unacceptable, including this attack. The perpetrators must be held accountable. Every American should be able to freely and safely participate in our democracy.”

The Democratic congresswoman condemned the act of violence again, telling the Santa Fe New Mexican her town hall emphasized “the importance of showing respect and listening.”

“It is a ludicrous leap to twist encouraging democratic participation, calling your representatives and showing up at town halls into an insinuation of violence,” she said, per the outlet.

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“The Republican Party’s accusations are themselves dangerous and the ultimate disrespect to our political process. They distract from the real work of bringing people together to build a better future,” she added.



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New Mexico

NM uranium mine proposals receive Trump priority designation

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NM uranium mine proposals receive Trump priority designation


A federal council recently placed two proposed uranium mines in New Mexico on a select list of mining projects nationwide to receive streamlined federal permitting consideration, a designation the project’s owner says results from President Donald Trump’s push to accelerate nuclear energy production. The Jara Mesa and Crownpoint-Churchrock mine projects are now two of six […]



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New Mexico

‘Lightning in a bottle’: Bard Crawl brings ‘Taming of the Shrew’ to bars across New Mexico

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‘Lightning in a bottle’: Bard Crawl brings ‘Taming of the Shrew’ to bars across New Mexico


One rehearsal, no directors, multiple performances. Watch Williams Shakespeare go from the theater stage to local breweries through the month of June for the seventh iteration of “Bard Crawl: Taming of the Shrew,” where local actors bring plays to bars across the Albuquerque Metro area.



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Rita A. Tafoya Rita Tafoya of Albuquerque, New Mexico,

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Rita A. Tafoya Rita Tafoya of Albuquerque, New Mexico,


Jun. 9—Rita A. Tafoya Rita Tafoya of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on March 14, 2022, at the age of 79. Born on January 16, 1943, Rita lived a full and vibrant life surrounded by love and laughter. Rita was a devoted partner to Jess Tafoya and a loving mother to her two children, Michelle and Le’Anne. She was also a proud grandmother to four wonderful grandchildren, Samantha, Shelby, Sabrina, and Sidney. Rita had a contagious sense of humor that could light up any room. She was known for her quick wit, bold personality, and all around beauty. Rita will be remembered for her warm smile, kind heart, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Although Rita may no longer be with us, her spirit and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew and cherished her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. A Memorial Service will be held at French Funerals and Cremations (Wyoming) on June 12, 2025 at 11:30am.



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