Rebecca Dow, a state representative for New Mexico's House District 38, addressed the recent arson attack on the Republican Party of New Mexico office. She said that the incident was neither an expression of free speech nor a peaceful protest. Her comments were made in a post on X dated April 14.
"This is not free speech," said Dow. "This is not peacefully protesting. This IS pretty damming evidence."
According to Dow’s post, she included a link to a U.S. Department of Justice news release which announced charges against an Albuquerque man in connection with arson attacks targeting both the Republican Party of New Mexico office and a Tesla dealership. The accused, Jamison Wagner, 40, faced charges related to a February 9 arson at the Tesla Albuquerque showroom where two vehicles were involved. The building was vandalized with swastikas and phrases such as "Die Elon," "Tesla Nazi Inc.," and "Die Tesla Nazi." Wagner is also implicated in a March 30 arson at the New Mexico Republican Party office, resulting in significant damage to the front door and entry area.
Screenshot of State Representative Rebecca Dow's April 14 post on X
| X
The criminal complaint detailed that investigators discovered materials marked with handwritten capital letters "I" or "H" at both arson scenes. Surveillance footage showing a white sedan assisted authorities in narrowing down potential vehicles, leading them to identify Jamison Wagner as a person of interest through analysis of homemade incendiary devices. Investigators placed Wagner under surveillance and confirmed his ownership of a Hyundai Accent parked in his garage. A search warrant for his residence, vehicle, and person was obtained on April 11 and executed the following day, resulting in the seizure of evidence linked to both incidents.
The Republican Party of New Mexico highlighted that the March 30 firebombing at its headquarters was not an isolated event. "We are deeply relieved that no one was harmed in what could have been a tragic and deadly attack," said Chairwoman Amy Barela in a March 30 post on X. She emphasized that those resorting to violence must be held accountable and called for decisive action from state leaders against such attacks.
Rebecca Dow represents Grant, Hidalgo, and Sierra counties. She previously served as a state House Representative before reclaiming her seat in House District 38 by defeating Democratic incumbent Tara Jaramillo in 2024. Her campaign focused on pro-business initiatives and education reform, with recognition for her contributions to early childhood education and community service.
