⏱ 2 min read
A 22-year-old New Braunfels woman, Grace Carol Brown, attempted to set fire to the Comal County Republican Party Headquarters in New Braunfels, TX, on January 14. Brown allegedly broke a window, threw a backpack with flammables inside, and tried to light a fire, but was unsuccessful. The building also houses two other commercial businesses. According to investigators, Brown’s motives were rooted in her antipathy towards the Republican Party, law enforcement, and certain government officials.
Brown was arrested on January 22 and initially charged in Comal County with burglary of a building and arson. She now faces federal charges of actual and attempted malicious damage by fire to property involved in interstate or foreign commerce. The FBI is investigating the case, assisted by the New Braunfels Police Department and New Braunfels Fire Marshal’s Office.
The backpack found inside the building contained one container of ethanol, two containers of gasoline, a lighter, and matches. Brown also left a note at the scene, which has not been disclosed. If convicted, Brown faces 5 to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine her sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Mangels. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Texas
- Location: TX
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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