KEY POINTS

  • A Delaware native is charged after throwing a Molotov Cocktail 
  • Samuel Gulick also spray-painted the building with the Latin phrase, “Deus Vult"
  • He could face five to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000

A Delaware native is facing tough federal charges after hurling a Molotov cocktail at a Planned Parenthood building in Newark last week.

18-year-old Samuel Gulick allegedly threw the incendiary device during what seemed to be an anti-abortion protest, said ABC News.

The explosion caused a brief fire before it self-extinguished, according to The New York Times, citing the criminal complaint.

Hong Kong's hardcore protesters have held off riot police with Molotov cocktails, bricks and arrows
Hong Kong's hardcore protesters have held off riot police with Molotov cocktails, bricks and arrows AFP / NICOLAS ASFOURI

Video surveillance showed Gulick, who is known for his stand against abortion, spray-painting a portion of the facility with the Latin phrase, “Deus Vult,” or “God wills it.”

Gulick then stepped off the porch, lit the Molotov and threw it in front of the building.

Authorities were able to identify the suspect's vehicle that he used to flee the scene. At the same time, Gulick's Instagram account also had the same phrase.

United States Attorney's Office spokeswoman Kimberlynn Reeves told The New York Times Tuesday that Gulick was arrested by the F.B.I on Saturday and is being held under federal custody.

Delaware Planned Parenthood chief executive Ruth Lytle-Barnaby described Gulicks actions as an “act of domestic terrorism and a blatant attack on reproductive health.”

If convicted, Gulick could face five to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

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