Police investigate fire at anti-abortion office as arson [Video]

• The fire inside the office of anti-abortion group Wisconsin Family Action is being investigated as arson.
• Someone had spray-painted the message “If abortions aren’t safe then you aren’t either” on the building.
• According to police, a separate fire was started in addition to a Molotov cocktail that did not ignite.

Authorities are investigating the fire that started in the office of anti-abortion group Wisconsin Family Action as arson.

According to Madison police spokeswoman Stephanie Fryer, the fire was reported shortly after 6 a.m. Sunday. They thought the fire to be suspicious and launched an investigation together with the Madison Fire Department and federal officials.

Police told CBS affiliate WISC-TV that a separate fire was started in the office in addition to a Molotov cocktail that did not ignite. Someone had also spray-painted the message “If abortions aren’t safe then you aren’t either” on the building.

There were no injuries and the extent of damage is still being determined.

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes stated, “It appears a specific non-profit that supports anti-abortion measures was targeted.”

Julaine Appling, president of Wisconsin Family Action, stated, “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.”

She considered the fire a “direct threat” considering the timing, but remarked that their group won’t be intimidated.

Protests have erupted after a leaked draft of a U.S. Supreme Court opinion discussed the possible overturning of Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion.

Appling stated, “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.”

Wisconsin lawmakers from both parties condemned the vandalism.

Gov. Tony Evers (D) tweeted, “We condemn violence and hatred in all forms, including the actions at Wisconsin Family Action in Madison last night. We reject violence against any person for disagreeing with another’s view. Violence is not the way forward. Hurting others is never the answer.”

Sen. Ron Johnson (R) said that the “abhorrent” attack shouldn’t be tolerated.

Tom Nelson (D), who is running for Senate, said, “I am committed to protecting women’s rights — but we must do it the right way. Violence and destruction are not the answer. I’m glad no one was hurt.”

Kevin Nicholson (R) and former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch (R), who are both running for governor, also denounced the vandalism.

Nicholson called it “disgusting behavior from the left,” while Kleefisch stated, “The radicals are trying to stop us but they know we won’t be intimidated from defending life.”

Source: CBS News