Wisconsin Anti-Abortion Group's Office Vandalized, Struck By Fire; Case Investigated As Arson [Photos]
KEY POINTS
- The fire was reported Sunday morning at the Wisconsin Family Action office, Madison
- A spray-painted message read, "If abortions aren’t safe then you aren’t either"
- No one was injured in the fire, but the case is being investigated as arson
A Wisconsin anti-abortion group's headquarters was vandalized and struck by fire Sunday. Cops found an unlit Molotov cocktail and a spray-painted message at the building.
The fire was reported shortly after 6 a.m. Sunday at the Wisconsin Family Action office in Madison; investigators noted that it was suspicious.
"It appears a specific non-profit that supports anti-abortion measures was targeted," Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said in a statement, as reported by NBC News.
While no one was injured in the fire, the authorities are determining the extent of damage to the building. The case is being investigated as arson.
It was unclear who vandalized the office building and spray-painted a threatening message on the wall, which read, "If abortions aren’t safe then you aren’t either."
The incident is being investigated by both the Madison Fire Department and Federal officials.
Meanwhile, Julaine Appling, President of Wisconsin Family Action said the fire was a "direct threat" against the group. The attack comes shortly after a leaked draft of a U.S. Supreme Court's opinion suggested the possible overturning of the landmark Roe v. Wade verdict from 1973 that legalized abortion in the country.
"This is the local manifestation of the anger and the lack of tolerance from the pro-abortion people toward those of us who are pro-life," Appling said, ABC News reported.
The attack, however, has not intimidated the anti-abortion group who will continue their efforts, Appling said. "We will repair our offices, remain on the job, and build an even stronger grassroots effort. We will not back down. We will not stop doing what we are doing. Too much is at stake," she added.
Republican U.S. Senator, Ron Johnson called the attack "abhorrent" and said it should be condemned by all. Meanwhile, leaders from both Democratic and Republican parties have come forward criticizing the attack.
"We reject violence against any person for disagreeing with another’s view. Violence is not the way forward. Hurting others is never the answer," Democratic Gov. Tony Evers tweeted, condemning the violence.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Tom Nelson said although he is committed to protecting women's rights, the violent attack is not the answer. "Violence and destruction are not the answer. I’m glad no one was hurt," Nelson said.
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