The FBI has once again upped the reward for information related to an attack against Life Choices in Longmont, now connecting it to a nationwide series of attacks against reproductive health service facilities.
The bureau is offering rewards of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of suspects responsible for a series of attacks and threats at these facilities, including the June 25 vandalization and arson of Life Choices pregnancy center in Longmont.
“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 in a release. “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.”
In the announcement, the FBI said it may investigate the incidents as potential acts of domestic violent extremism, Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act violations or violent crime matters, depending on the facts of each case.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), contact their local FBI office or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. You may remain anonymous.
The fire at Life Choices in Longmont at 20 Mountain View Ave. was set a day after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which provided constitutional protections for abortion. In addition to sustaining fire and smoke damage, the center was vandalized with spray-painted messages that read, “if abortions aren't safe neither are you” and “BANS OFF OUR BODIES.”
Life Choices provides free pregnancy tests, clothes, baby supplies and other support services to women and men related to unplanned pregnancy and sexual health. Life Choices does not perform or refer for medical or chemical abortions.
The attack in Longmont was one of 10 in the series of attacks against reproductive health service facilities last year, according to the FBI.
Other incidents included in the series of crimes were two suspects throwing a Molotov cocktail March 13 at a building used by Planned Parenthood in Costa Mesa, California; Molotov cocktails thrown May 8 at the Oregon Right to Life building Keizer, Oregon; and Molotov cocktails thrown May 8 at the Wisconsin Family Action executive office in Madison, Wisconsin, with graffiti that read, “If abortions aren’t safe then you aren’t either.”
In early June, Molotov cocktails were thrown at the CompassCare Pregnancy Services Center in Amherst, New York, with the words “Jane was here” spray painted on the building. On June 10, Molotov cocktails were thrown at the Pregnancy Resource Center in Gresham, Oregon.
On June 25, someone threw a Molotov cocktail at the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Lincolnton, North Carolina; and on June 27, the Two Hearts Pregnancy Aid clinic building in Everett, Washington, was vandalized and police found evidence of an incendiary device at the scene.
On June 30, a Molotov cocktail was thrown through the front window of the Hope Clinic for Women in Nashville, Tennessee and spray-painted with the words “Jane’s Revenge.”
In early July, an arson attack and vandalism took place at the Mother and Child Education Center in Portland, Oregon with the words, “IF ABORTION AINT SAFE NEITHER RU JR” and “JANES RVVGG” spray painted on the front of the property.
