Texas woman charged over arson attack on Republican Party county headquarters

A 21-year-old Texas woman has been charged with arson and burglary after allegedly breaking into and setting fire to a Republican Party headquarters in New Braunfels, an incident GOP leaders say reflects a troubling escalation of political extremism.

Newsmax reported that authorities identified the suspect as Grace Carol Brown, who was arrested on January 22, 2026, following a joint investigation involving local law enforcement and the FBI. Brown is accused of smashing an exterior window, unlawfully entering the Comal County Republican Party headquarters, and starting a deliberate fire inside the building.

According to officials, employees arriving at the headquarters on January 14 discovered broken windows and evidence of a small fire, prompting an immediate response from the New Braunfels Police Department and Fire Department. The fire caused minor damage, and no injuries were reported, but Republican officials emphasized that the act appeared intentional and targeted. Police said investigators from the New Braunfels Police Department, the New Braunfels Fire Marshal’s Office, and the FBI’s San Antonio office worked together to identify the suspect, gather evidence, and obtain search and arrest warrants.

Brown was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Comal County Jail on charges of burglary of a building and arson. Her bond has been set at a combined $200,000. Authorities indicated that the case remains under review and that additional charges are possible. Brown's social media shows she participated in the "No Kings" protests, previously raised money for Palestinian causes, and keeps a list of recommended leftist reading.

Texas Republican Party Chair Abraham George condemned the attack, calling it part of a broader national pattern of hostility toward conservatives and Republican institutions.

“Acts like this are deeply troubling and should concern all who value peaceful civic engagement,” George said. He added that similar incidents have occurred across the country and thanked law enforcement for their swift response, noting that the damage could have been far worse and that it was fortunate no one was injured.

Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters went further, blaming inflammatory political rhetoric from Democrats for contributing to violence against GOP organizations. “Democrats’ disgusting rhetoric has led to another violent attack,” Gruters wrote on X, calling the alleged arson an alarming example of political radicalization.

The Texas incident follows other recent attacks on Republican offices nationwide, including vandalism at a GOP headquarters in Prince William County, Virginia, and an attempted arson in Overland Park, Kansas. In those cases, buildings were defaced or damaged.