Anti-abortion office in Wisconsin targeted: ‘If abortions aren’t safe, neither are you’
Authorities in Wisconsin are investigating a “suspicious fire” in the office of an organization that works to curtail abortion rights.
The incident took place late Saturday or early Sunday, when vandals set fire to the headquarters of Wisconsin Family Action, an anti-abortion-rights political action committee that also lobbies against same-sex marriage.
Spray-painted on the building was the message, “If abortions aren’t safe than you aren’t either.”
Just under a week ago, a draft leaked of an impending U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, which enshrined a woman’s right to safe abortion 50 years ago. Protests have raked the nation since.
“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,” the group’s president, Julaine Appling, told The Associated Press, calling the act a “direct threat against us.”
Remains of at least one Molotov cocktail were found at the scene, she said.
“Fire investigators believe this fire was intentionally set, and the incident is being investigated as an arson,” the Madison Fire Department said in a statement. “This investigation remains active, and no further details are available at this time.”
Condemnation came from both sides of the political aisle.
“I am committed to protecting women’s rights — but we must do it the right way,” Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tom Nelson said. “Violence and destruction are not the answer.”
Republican gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleefisch, a former lieutenant governor, and Kevin Nicholson denounced the act, respectively, as “radicals trying to stop us,” and “disgusting behavior” from what they perceive to be the left.
Police called in federal investigators as well for the fire, which was reported just after 6 a.m. on Sunday.
“The Madison Police Department understands members of our community are feeling deep emotions due to the recent news involving the United States Supreme Court,” Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said in a statement. “Our department has and continues to support people being able to speak freely and openly about their beliefs. But we feel that any acts of violence, including the destruction of property, do not aid in any cause.”
