Last week, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) turned to the public for information on those responsible for a series of threats against and attacks on reproductive health service facilities nationwide – and it put up $25,000 in rewards for that information.
In all, 10 incidents were cited in the request, which the FBI said could be investigated as potential acts of domestic violent extremism, Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) violations, or violent crime matters, depending on the individual case. The earliest of the incidents took place on March 13, 2022, when two unknown suspects were caught on camera throwing a Molotov cocktail at the front door of a medical building used by Planned Parenthood in Costa Mesa, California. The most recent took place in July at the Mother and Child Education Center in Portland, Oregon. An arson attack there was followed by vandalism and spray-painted words that included “IF ABORTION AINT SAFE NEITHER RU JR.”
“Today’s announcement reflects the FBI’s commitment to vigorously pursue investigations into crimes against pregnancy resource centers, faith-based organizations, and reproductive health clinics across the country,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said. “We will continue to work closely with our national, state, and local law enforcement partners to hold responsible anyone who uses extremist views to justify their criminal actions.”
Rewards can be granted for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible for the crimes. The FBI added that tipsters could either anonymously submit details online, through their local FBI office, or at the national tipline 1-800-225-5324.