Fire at Wisconsin anti-abortion office being investigated as arson, police say
MADISON, Wis. (WMSN) — Officials were investigating a fire on Sunday at the headquarters of anti-abortion group Wisconsin Family Action that they said was arson.
Crews were called early Sunday morning, and flames could be seen coming from the facility. WFA is a political action committee that lobbies against abortion rights and gay marriage.
Madison police and arson investigators have not determined the cause of the fire, but police confirmed at least one Molotov cocktail was thrown at the office during the incident.
WFA President Julaine Appling said that someone had thrown Molotov cocktails into her office and burned books. Appling said she did not know the person who would have lit the fire, but said the suspect “left their signature” with graffiti that reads "If abortions aren't safe then you aren't either."
She said most WFA staff members would be working remotely Monday.
“Fire investigators believe this fire was intentionally set,” Madison Fire Department officials said in a statement. “The incident is being investigated as an arson.”
On Sunday, the Madison Police Department issued a statement regarding their investigation.
"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. We have made our federal partners aware of this incident and are working with them and the Madison Fire Department as we investigate this arson. We will provide an update on this case Monday at 2 p.m. Specific details regarding the logistics of this update will be sent at a later time."
