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

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. 

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.

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.

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."

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."

"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.

"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.