On February 19th, 2021, federal charges were filed against a former Marine for allegedly firebombing a Planned Parenthood clinic in California. The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Matthew Lee Rupert, was arrested in Chicago and charged with maliciously damaging a building by means of fire or explosives, and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
According to the criminal complaint, Rupert posted on social media that he was traveling to Minneapolis to participate in protests following the death of George Floyd. He then allegedly traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he was arrested on June 1st for violating curfew during protests over the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
After his release from custody, Rupert allegedly traveled to California and firebombed the Planned Parenthood clinic in the city of Chula Vista on October 11th. The criminal complaint states that Rupert posted a video on social media showing him throwing a Molotov cocktail at the clinic and saying, “I lit a fire at a f***ing Planned Parenthood.”
The FBI and local law enforcement agencies conducted an investigation into the incident and identified Rupert as the suspect. He was arrested in Chicago on January 6th, 2021, after allegedly participating in the riot at the U.S. Capitol building.
The charges against Rupert highlight the ongoing threat of violence against reproductive healthcare providers and clinics. According to the National Abortion Federation, there have been over 300 acts of violence and harassment against abortion providers since 1977, including bombings, arson attacks, and shootings.
Planned Parenthood has been a frequent target of anti-abortion activists and politicians who seek to defund or restrict access to reproductive healthcare services. The organization provides a range of services, including contraception, cancer screenings, and abortion care, to millions of people each year.
The federal charges against Rupert send a clear message that violence against reproductive healthcare providers will not be tolerated. It is essential that law enforcement agencies and policymakers take steps to protect the safety and security of healthcare providers and patients, and ensure that access to reproductive healthcare services is not impeded by threats or violence.
In conclusion, the federal charges filed against Matthew Lee Rupert for firebombing a Planned Parenthood clinic highlight the ongoing threat of violence against reproductive healthcare providers and clinics. It is crucial that law enforcement agencies and policymakers take steps to protect the safety and security of healthcare providers and patients, and ensure that access to reproductive healthcare services is not impeded by threats or violence.
