New Braunfels, Texas, January 24, 2026
A 21-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to the Comal County Republican Headquarters in New Braunfels. Grace Carol Brown, charged with burglary and arson, is being held on a $200,000 bond. The incident involved minor damage and no injuries, prompting a collaboration between local police, fire officials, and the FBI for the investigation.
New Braunfels Woman Arrested for Arson at Comal County Republican Headquarters
New Braunfels, Texas – A 21-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with an arson incident at the Comal County Republican Headquarters. Grace Carol Brown was taken into custody on January 22, 2026, and charged with burglary of a building and arson. She is currently held at the Comal County Jail with a combined bond set at $200,000.
Incident Details
On January 14, 2026, at approximately 1:15 p.m., New Braunfels police and fire officials responded to a report of a fire at the Comal County Republican Headquarters, located in the 200 block of Landa Street. Employees arriving at the building discovered that an exterior window had been broken and a small fire had been set inside, causing minor damage and no injuries.
Investigation and Arrest
The New Braunfels Police Department, in collaboration with the New Braunfels Fire Marshal’s Office and the FBI’s San Antonio office, initiated an investigation into the incident. Utilizing the FBI’s Computer Analysis Response Team (CART), authorities identified Brown as the suspect. She was arrested without incident on January 22, 2026, and charged with burglary of a building and arson. The investigation remains open, and additional charges may be forthcoming as the case progresses.
Community Response
Anita Valdez, chair of the Comal County Republican Party, described the incident as “horrifying” and labeled it “a clearly political attack.” She emphasized the importance of staff safety and the party’s commitment to continuing its operations without intimidation. Valdez declined to comment on specific details due to the ongoing investigation but noted that all damaged property was replaceable.
Background
Arson is a serious criminal offense involving the intentional setting of fires to property. In Texas, arson is classified as a felony, with penalties varying based on the extent of damage and whether the fire resulted in injury or death. The Comal County Republican Headquarters serves as the local office for the Republican Party in Comal County, Texas, and is a focal point for party activities and events.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Comal County Republican Headquarters, 200 block of Landa Street, New Braunfels, Texas |
| Incident Date | January 14, 2026 |
| Suspect | Grace Carol Brown, 21, New Braunfels resident |
| Charges | Burglary of a building and arson |
| Bond | $200,000 |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; additional charges may be forthcoming |
| Community Response | Comal County Republican Party chair described the incident as “horrifying” and “a clearly political attack” |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges has Grace Carol Brown been arrested on?
Grace Carol Brown has been arrested and charged with burglary of a building and arson in connection with the incident at the Comal County Republican Headquarters.
When did the arson incident occur?
The arson incident occurred on January 14, 2026, at approximately 1:15 p.m., when employees discovered a broken window and a small fire inside the Comal County Republican Headquarters.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to gather additional evidence. The case remains open, and further charges may be filed as the investigation progresses.
What is the Comal County Republican Headquarters?
The Comal County Republican Headquarters is the local office for the Republican Party in Comal County, Texas, serving as a hub for party activities and events.
What are the penalties for arson in Texas?
In Texas, arson is classified as a felony offense, with penalties varying based on the extent of damage and whether the fire resulted in injury or death. Specific penalties are determined by the circumstances of each case.
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