In 2022, a man found guilty of bombing a Planned Parenthood center was sentenced to six years in prison.
Tibet Ergul and his accomplice Chance Brannon used a Molotov cocktail last year to destruct a facility in California that offered reproductive health services. The incident took place in Costa Mesa, which is located in Orange County, according to the US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California.
Xavier Batten, another individual, was also found guilty of advising the duo on how to make the Molotov cocktail. Hate crimes will not be tolerated, remarked United States Attorney Martin Estrada. He further affirmed that his office will keep the community safe by uncovering and prosecuting such incidents.
The pair plotted to damage an electrical substation using firearms or another Molotov cocktail to cripple Orange County's power grid, as per the news release. Ergul had even mailed a letter to Brannon referring to a firearm waiting to be used during a supposed racial war.
Ergul and Brannon discussed about an attack on the Dodger Stadium parking lot or electrical room during an event celebrating LGBTQ pride. They even researched how to carry it out, including the use of a remote detonation device.
On February 29, 2024, Tibet Ergul admitted guilt for one felony count of conspiring to harm an energy facility and one minor charge of vandalizing a reproductive health clinic. This decision was recorded in the office's news release.
A payment of $1,000 is required from Ergul as part of his sentencing.
Sheila Mojtehedi, a lawyer representing Ergul, said in an email to CNN that her client "is grateful for the consideration by the government and the Court."
Ergul's actions were disruptive and endangered the lives of several individuals with whom he disagreed ideologically, stated Amir Ehsaei, Head of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office.
The sentence will prevent any more violent acts from Ergul, said Todd Battaglia, Special Agent in Charge of the NCIS Marine West Field Office.
What transpired in that alleged firebombing
Ergul and Brannon, who was a US Marine at the time, intended to make a statement about abortion and deter people associated with the clinic from carrying out the procedure.
They prepared the Molotov cocktail in their garage on March 12. They then disguised themselves, donned masks, hoods, and gloves, and ignited it, tossing it at the clinic entrance, starting a fire in the process. This act led to the temporary closure of the facility and around 30 rescheduled appointments for patients.
Ergul stated in his plea agreement that he and Brannon had intended to use a second Molotov cocktail to assault another Planned Parenthood outlet in June 2023. However, they called off the plan after noticing law enforcement presence near the targeted clinic.
Ergul has been detained by federal agents since June 2023 and was the last person to be charged in the case. Brannon received a nine-year imprisonment sentence previously for his role in the crime.
Batten, a 21-year-old Floridian, was also penalized for instructing Ergul and Brannon on constructing the device used in the Planned Parenthood firebombing. He was found guilty in January 2024 of one count of possessing an unregistered explosive weapon and causing damage to a reproductive health services facility.
Read also:
The United States Attorney's Office mentioned that Ergul, who was involved in the attack, is a US resident. During the sentencing of Ergul, it was stated that his actions threatened the safety of individuals with different ideological views.
