MADISON, Wis. (Washington Insider Magazine) – On Monday, police requested the public’s assistance in tracking people who damaged and tossed 2 Molotov cocktails into the premises of a renowned Wisconsin anti-abortion lobbying organization that had been destroyed by fire.
According to Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, no one has been arrested and no suspects have been detained in the early Sunday morning arson that was detected when someone heading to Madison’s nearby airport observed flames pouring from the company building.
Two Catholic churches in Colorado, particularly one famed for its yearly anti-abortion exhibit, were attacked last week, prompting the fire at Wisconsin Family Action.
Protests raged around the nation, including in Madison, after a preliminary opinion indicating that the United States Supreme Court was on track to reverse the historic Roe v. Wade decision, which legalised abortion nationally. Demonstrations by abortion rights advocates were held outside the residences of conservative Supreme Court justices over the weekend, with more scheduled this week.
The police chief said one Molotov cocktail hurled into the Wisconsin Family Action office failed to ignite, and the inquiry into whether the 2nd one did is underway.
Although no one was wounded, Barnes believes “it could have gone differently” if someone had been present in the office.
Barnes stated that he was unaware of any dangers to others, but noted that the investigation might take time.
The inquiry is being assisted by FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives officials. Barnes urged those who might have witnessed something to call the authorities. Local businesses have also been approached to see if anyone has any information or security footage, he added.
When questioned about the assault Monday at a landmark ceremony in a Madison suburb, Democratic Governor Tony Evers, who is running for reelection in November, condemned it.
Julaine Appling, the lobbying group’s president, believes the vandalism was motivated by the release of the court’s preliminary ruling.
For years, Wisconsin Family Action has been a powerful force in the state, lobbying for abortion restrictions, seeking to repeal Roe v. Wade, and working on a variety of other social concerns.
Both political parties quickly denounced the vandalism.
Abortion clinics have also been attacked by vandals in the past, most notably in January when a Planned Parenthood facility in Tennessee was set on fire.
