NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS — A 22-year-old New Braunfels woman is facing a first-degree terrorism charge, along with arson and burglary counts, in connection with a January 14 attack on the Comal County Republican Party headquarters. Grace Carol Brown also faces federal charges of actual and attempted malicious damage by fire. The small fire caused minor damage and no one was hurt.
Staff Find Smashed Window and Small Fire at GOP Headquarters
Staff arrived at the Comal County Republican Party headquarters to find an exterior window smashed. A small fire had left only minor damage, and no one was injured. The attack is believed to have happened when the office was empty.
The building also houses other businesses. The fire could have put other tenants at risk had it spread. New Braunfels is located between San Antonio and Austin.
Prosecutors Say Backpack Filled With Fuel Was Thrown Inside
Prosecutors say Brown shattered a window and threw in a backpack loaded with ethanol, gasoline, a lighter, and matches. The items could have fueled a much larger fire. She then allegedly tried and failed to climb through the opening.
According to prosecutors, she then set a rolled-up magazine on fire and tossed it inside as well. The fire did not spread far. Investigators collected evidence from the scene.
Note Left at Scene Allegedly Called Local GOP Nazi Party
A note left at the scene allegedly called the local Republican Party the Nazi Party of New Braunfels. It also criticized ICE and labeled certain top executive officials as enemies of the Constitution. The message targeted both the party and immigration enforcement.
The note reportedly featured an anarchist symbol associated with Antifa. The note has drawn attention to a possible political motive. The full contents of the note were not released.
Brown Arrested January 22 and Faces Up to 20 Years on Federal Count
Brown was taken into custody without resistance on January 22 after warrants were executed. A local grand jury added the terrorism indictment in April. Federal authorities later brought their own charges. Her bond status was not included in the post.
A conviction on the federal charge carries five to 20 years in prison. Brown is presumed innocent unless proven guilty, and the case has fueled debate over political violence. Many argue political disputes should be settled at the ballot box, not through violence.
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