House Democrats Condemn Apparent Attempted Chemical Attack Against Advocacy Group
Santa Fe, NM - Today, Conservation Voters New Mexico announced that they received a letter containing ingredients of a “potent toxin used in terrorist attacks,” along with political mailings about Representative Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces) defaced with antisemitic imagery. Fortunately, no one was harmed, but the intent was clear. Democratic Leaders in the New Mexico House of Representatives issued the following statements condemning the attack.
“This is a shocking and dangerous attempt to intimidate the good people who work at Conservation Voters New Mexico and climate change leaders in the legislature, like Representative Small,” said Speaker of the House Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe). “Threats and attempts to harm public servants are becoming all too common, demonstrating the serious real world consequences of violent, extremist political rhetoric and why it must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
“I am grateful that no one was harmed, but I am deeply troubled by how dangerous this situation could have been,” said Majority Floor Leader Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque). “This incident posed a grave threat to the staff of CVNM and represents a serious threat to our democracy. All our elected leaders, regardless of party, must take an unequivocal stand to make clear that violence, racism, antisemitism, and intimidation have no place in our political discourse.”
“We must do better for the people of New Mexico,” said Majority Whip Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces). “The hateful and divisive political rhetoric we have seen recently is having all too real of an impact. It is time for our state and local leaders to call for an end to these dangerous messages that lead to threats against our neighbors and the safety of our elections.”
“Attempts to threaten, intimidate, or cause harm to those we disagree with politically are incredibly dangerous to the people of our state and to our democracy,” said House Democratic Caucus Chair D. Wonda Johnson (D-Church Rock). “For the sake of our democracy, New Mexicans must stand together against violence and hatred and stand up for accountability and respect.”
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