2nd Molotov Cocktail At Scene Of Arson Targeting Anti-Abortion Group

MADISON, WI — A second Molotov cocktail has been found at the scene of an arson that occurred over the weekend and targeted a Wisconsin anti-abortion organization, police said Monday.

Authorities provided an update Monday on the investigation into Sunday’s attack on a Madison building occupied by Wisconsin Family Action. No arrests have been made as of Monday afternoon, police confirmed.

Officials had disclosed Sunday the discovery of a single unignited Molotov cocktail, but Police Chief Shon Barnes said Monday that a second Molotov cocktail was found at the scene, although he added authorities have not yet confirmed what caused the fire.

The attack came less than a week after a draft of a majority opinion that would overturn the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision leaked from the U.S. Supreme Court. A photo from Wisconsin State Journal reporter Alexander Shur showed a message in spray paint on the building: "If abortions aren't safe, then you aren't either."

Barnes said the arson was “the fruits of hate and violence,” and acknowledged that emotions were high while calling for peace.

“There is no room for hate or violence in Madison,” he said. “Hate or violence do not advance any cause.”

The fire was reported about 6 a.m. Sunday, after a person traveling to the local airport saw flames coming from the building on International Lane, according to Barnes, who said officers arrives to find smoke emitting from a ground-level window that had been breached. The blaze was extinguished by firefighters within five minutes, he said.

Police are searching for videos and other digital evidence in the case, according to Barnes, who encouraged anyone who might have surveillance of the area to contact law enforcement.

“This is an active investigation,” he said.

There is no indication the arson was an inside job and it is not being investigated as a terrorist threat, he confirmed.

Barnes was joined Monday for the press conference, which was also streamed on the city website, by representatives of the Madison Fire Department, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“We will use any and all federal statutes available,” said Robert Payne, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Milwaukee Field Office.

The White House on Monday condemned the arson and all political violence, The Hill reported.

“The President has made clear throughout his time in public life that Americans have the fundamental right to express themselves under the Constitution, whatever their point of view,” a White House official told The Hill. “But that expression must be peaceful and free of violence, vandalism, or attempts to intimidate.”

Police are checking in on all Madison organizations involved in any kind of abortion-related advocacy, Barnes said Monday.

“If you see something, say something,” he said.

Anyone with information about the arson is asked to call Crimestoppers at 608-266-6014.