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FBI investigating abortion-related attacks in Oregon and other states

 The FBI said Molotov cocktail explosives were used against the anti-abortion, Christian resource hub, Gresham Pregnancy Resource Center on June 10, 2022.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The FBI said Molotov cocktail explosives were used against the anti-abortion, Christian resource hub, Gresham Pregnancy Resource Center on June 10, 2022.

Surrounding the U.S. Supreme Court鈥檚 2022 decision to overturn Roe v Wade, the FBI saw an uptick in reports of violent attacks against anti-abortion organizations. Three arsons in Oregon are currently under investigation.

The attacks occurred between May and July of last year. The FBI said Molotov cocktail explosives were used against the Oregon Right to Life headquarters in Keizer and the Gresham Pregnancy Resource Center. There was also an arson attempt at the Mother and Child Education Center in Portland.

 The FBI shared footage of a Molotov cocktail inside the burned out remains of the Gresham Pregnancy Resource Center.
Federal Bureau of Investigations
The FBI shared footage of a Molotov cocktail inside the burned out remains of the Gresham Pregnancy Resource Center.

Kieran Ramsey is Special Agent in Charge for the FBI in Oregon.

鈥淚f somebody uses a Molotov cocktail, that鈥檚 a really serious thing,鈥 he said. 鈥淎nd when we talk about political violence鈥攚e in law enforcement, we in the FBI-- we don鈥檛 care about the politics, we care about the violence.鈥

Ramsey said any violent form of political retaliation will not stand. 鈥淏ecause today it may be this place-- but tomorrow it could be someplace that you care about,鈥 he said.

The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for tips on the three arsons.

Ramesy said the FBI has surveillance footage from two of the crimes and added there are two potential federal charges in play: arson and the Freedom of Access to Clinics Entrances or FACE Act.

 The FBI said the Mother & Child Education Center in Portland was vandalized and targeted for arson in June and July of 2022. The building was spray-painted with the words, "If abortion ain't safe neither RU JR" and "JANES RVVGG."
Federal Bureau of Investigations
The FBI said the Mother & Child Education Center in Portland was vandalized and targeted for arson in June and July of 2022. The building was spray-painted with the words, "If abortion ain't safe neither RU JR" and "JANES RVVGG."

Given the nature of the attacks, Ramsey said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives is now offering an additional $10,000 reward for information leading to arrest and conviction in the Oregon cases.

The FBI鈥檚 national office published a with information and surveillance photos about 10 nationwide cases and is encouraging tips. Anyone with information can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), to contact their local FBI office or submit a tip online at . Tipsters can remain anonymous.

鈥淲e are asking the public to take a look at these photos and videos and if you recognize anything that could be helpful to our investigation, please reach out,鈥 said Ramsey.

Besides the Oregon attacks, authorities are seeking information about seven other instances of arson and vandalism at anti-abortion and pro-abortion organizations in other states, including an anti-abortion political group in Wisconsin and a Planned Parenthood in California.

Copyright 2023 KLCC. To see more, visit .

Tiffany joined the KLCC News team in 2007. She studied journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia and has worked in a variety of media including television and daily print news. For KLCC, Tiffany reports on health care, social justice and local/regional news. She has won awards from Oregon Associated Press, PRNDI, and Education Writers Association.