Albuquerque GOP Event Turns Confrontational as Server Attacks Attendees at Mimi’s Cafe

An ordinary gathering of the New Mexico Young Republicans at Albuquerque's Mimi’s Cafe escalated into a heated confrontation on Tuesday night, drawing swift criticism from GOP leaders and a response from the restaurant’s management. According to posts by the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) on social media, the event—attended by Chairwoman Amy Barela and Executive Director Leticia Muñoz—was disrupted when two restaurant servers began clearing tables and closing out tickets loudly, despite the restaurant’s posted closing time of 9:00 p.m. The servers reportedly interrupted the meeting, prompting Muñoz to address their behavior. During the exchange, a video shows one server responding aggressively, yelling at the group and then rushing toward Chairwoman Barela, slapping her phone out of her hand—a physical assault recognized by Albuquerque police as battery. Barela was recording the incident when it occurred. The GOP characterized the event as an example of rising local crime and political hostility, criticizing the treatment of their members and emphasizing the need for civility and respect. Within a day, Mimi’s Cafe management contacted the RPNM, expressing concern over th...