Authorities claimed Sunday that vandals attacked an anti-abortion group headquarters, causing a fire and the discovery of a Molotov cocktail.
The fire at the Wisconsin Family Action office in Madison, which was reported just after 6 a.m. Sunday, was suspicious, according to Madison police spokesperson Stephanie Fryer. Someone also spray-painted a message outside the building, according to him. The investigation is being assisted by federal investigators and the Madison Fire Department.
No one was hurt, and officials were still assessing the extent of the fire’s damage.
It was unclear who vandalised the building, but it was spray-painted with the slogan “If abortions aren’t safe, then neither are you.”
“It appears a specific non-profit that supports anti-abortion measures was targeted,” Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said in a statement.
Julaine Appling, the lobbying group’s president, called the fire a “direct threat against us” because it occurred just days after a draught of a US Supreme Court judgement was leaked, implying that the court may soon reverse the Roe v. Wade decision, which legalised abortion in the United States. If someone had been working in the office at the time, she claimed, they could have been hurt.
“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, who said investigators found the remnants of at least one Molotov cocktail.
The vandalism, according to Appling, will not deter her organisation.
Appling stated, “We will repair our offices, stay on the job, and establish an even stronger grassroots effort.” “We are not going to back down.” We are not going to stop what we are doing. There is really too much at risk.”
Wisconsin leaders from both parties slammed the vandalism on Sunday, including Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson.
In a tweet, Evers stated, “We condemn violence and intolerance in all forms, including the activities at Wisconsin Family Action in Madison last night.” “We oppose violence against anyone who disagrees with another’s point of view. Violence is not a viable option. It’s never a good idea to hurt people.”
The activities, according to Johnson, should not be permitted.
“This attack is heinous and everyone should condemn it,” Johnson added.
Tom Nelson, a Democratic Senate contender, also condemned the graffiti.
“I am devoted to safeguarding women’s rights,” Nelson stated, “but we must do it the correct way.” “Violence and destruction will not solve the problem. I’m relieved that no one was wounded.”
Former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and Kevin Nicholson, both Republicans running for governor, both spoke out.
Nicholson described the vandalism as “disgusting left-wing activity,” but he did not explain or provide any specifics.
Melissa Lee is a British Journalist. She is an aspiring journalist with a natural curiosity in how the media functions. She resides in Edinburgh, Britain. She is currently working as a journalist at The Shining Media.
