Police Say Office Of Anti-Abortion Organisation Was Targeted In An Arson Attack
Jayden Collins
Featured Image Credit: Facebook/News 3 Now
The office of a political organisation against abortion rights has been vandalised and lit on fire amid pro-choice protests over the weekend.
According to News 3 Now in Wisconsin, the arson attack happened at the office of Wisconsin Family Action, a conservative organisation that lobbies against abortion rights and same-sex marriage.
The attack comes after a leaked report last week that could see the right-wing Supreme Court overturn the Roe v. Wade abortion law.
If the overturn is made, that would mean 26 US states could immediately ban abortion or greatly restrict it.
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The leaked draft has led to mass protests to voice opposition to the efforts to overturn reproductive freedoms.
A passerby saw the fire coming from the office and called Madison Police, with the Madison Fire Department called to the building to put out the blaze in the early hours of the morning.
Investigators came to the conclusion that the fire had been intentionally set, with the incident being investigated as an arson, according to CNN.
The incident report from the City of Madison Police Department says there was a molotov cocktail thrown inside, however, it did not ignite.
It is believed a separate fire was started in response.
Graffiti was also found at the scene with an obvious protest message written in cursive writing on the walls of the office.
It read: “If abortions aren’t safe, then you aren’t either.”
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, said in a statement: “The Madison Police Department understands members of our community are feeling deep emotions due to the recent news involving the United States Supreme Court.
“Early Sunday morning, our team began investigating a suspicious fire inside an office building on the city’s north side.
“It appears a specific non-profit that supports anti-abortion measures was targeted.
“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.”
Footage from News 3 Now shows multiple burned books and documents in the office of Wisconsin Family Action President Julian Appling, with glass scattered across the floor.
Appling told CNN: “The irony of this happening on Mother's Day is very poignant.
"I pray that this doesn't happen to anyone else, this needs to stop right now.”
Hundreds gathered in Chicago, Atlanta, Houston and other cities, while also protesting outside the homes of Supreme Court Justices Roberts and Kavanaugh over the weekend.