The arson of a pro-life group’s office in Wisconsin is not being investigated as an act of terrorism, police officials said on May 9.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes disclosed the information during a press conference giving an update on the investigation into the incident.
The Madison office of Wisconsin Family Action, a group that opposes abortion, was set on fire early Sunday, according to law enforcement.
A passerby going to the airport near the office spotted flames just after 6 a.m. and called the authorities, who rushed to the scene and put out the fire within five minutes after arriving.
Investigators found two Molotov cocktails inside. They’re still working to determine what type of accelerant was used.
Multiple items taken from the scene were turned over to the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for processing.
“As much as we wish we could be able to solve this case today, the forensic process must take time. We must now wait for those results,” Barnes said.
Officers are combing the area for other evidence, such as video footage, and are asking local residents to share any information they may have.
No arrests have been made. Asked if police have any suspects, Barnes said there are no suspects in custody.
Graffiti sprayed on the side of the building included a symbol often used by members of Antifa, a far-left anarcho-communist network that has committed violent acts across the country.
Authorities declined to comment on whether possible hate crimes were being probed but said there was no indication the arson was an inside job.
In response to what happened, police officials have alerted officers about organizations on either side of the abortion issue. The goal is to prevent any other attacks.
Robert Payne, an assistant special agent for the FBI’s Milwaukee office, told reporters that the bureau is approaching the arson from the lens of protecting the First Amendment.
“People have their opinions. And when we violate that, and we use a criminal activity or violence in that nature, the FBI and our federal authorities will look at that for all federal statutes in which to investigate,” he said.
“We will repair our offices, remain on the job, and build an even stronger grassroots effort,” she said. “We will not back down. We will not stop doing what we are doing. Too much is at stake.”
