Congresswoman Liz Cheney Statement on the Fire at Albany County Republican Headquarters

Congresswoman Liz Cheney has released the following statement on the fire that occurred at the Albany County Republican Party headquarters in Laramie:

“I’m grateful to members of the Laramie Police and Fire Departments who responded to the fire and worked to ensure the safety of the community. As an investigation proceeds into the circumstances surrounding the fire, we should all pause to remember that the future of our nation depends upon our ability to exchange ideas and viewpoints, to argue and debate, free from violence and intimidation. Citizens across our state, and across the spectrum of political viewpoints, work hard every day to fight for our communities, our values and the causes we hold dear. There is never any excuse for resorting to violent attacks to thwart these efforts or silence speech.”

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — Authorities say a fire was started at a Republican Party office in southeastern Wyoming and that it is being investigated as arson.

The fire early Thursday morning at the Albany County Republican Party headquarters in downtown Laramie caused minor damage and no injuries.

The fire was reported about 3:25 a.m. in the first-floor office.

Steven Morgan of the Laramie Police Department says it’s being investigated as arson and agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting because of the possibility of a political motive.

Morgan said Thursday afternoon there were no suspects yet. He declined further comment.

County GOP chairman Ben McKay tells the Laramie Boomerang that a “Make America Great Again” sign was hanging in a window that was broken during the incident.