Wisconsin Anti-Abortion Rights Group Target Of Arson: Police

MADISON, WI — A Wisconsin anti-abortion rights group was the target of vandalism and arson early Sunday, a Madison police spokesperson confirmed to Patch.

Flames were seen coming from the building of Wisconsin Family Action on International Lane around 6 a.m. Madison firefighters put out the fire, and investigators determined the fire was set intentionally, according to the police report.

Investigators found a molotov cocktail, which had not ignited, in the building, and authorities believe a separate fire was set when that attempt failed, according to the report. Madison police arson investigators are working with fire department officials to determine the fire's exact cause.

The attack comes 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 shows a message in spray paint on the building: "If abortions aren't safe, then you aren't either."

"Our department has and continues to support people being able to speak freely and openly about their beliefs," Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said in a statement. "But we feel that any acts of violence, including the destruction of property, do not aid in any cause."

Gov. Tony Evers weighed in on the incident Sunday on Twitter.

"We condemn violence and hatred in all forms, including the actions at Wisconsin Family Action in Madison last night," he said. "We reject violence against any person for disagreeing with another’s view. Violence is not the way forward. Hurting others is never the answer."

Madison police will provide an update on the investigation at a news conference at 2 p.m. Monday, Barnes said.