The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed the arrests and stated that the suspects are accused of using a Molotov cocktail to carry out the arson, although the motive behind the attack has not been disclosed.
A United States Marine and another individual were apprehended on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in a firebomb attack on a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa, California
The two individuals, identified as Tibet Ergul, 21, and Chance Brannon, 23, were taken into custody without incident on Wednesday morning. Brannon, an active duty Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton approximately 50 miles away from the clinic in Orange County, is among the arrestees.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the gravity of the assault on the healthcare facility, which serves a significant number of people in Orange County. He expressed gratitude that no physical harm occurred and that the clinic was saved from destruction. However, he condemned the defendants’ violent actions, deeming them wholly unacceptable.
Ergul and Brannon are named in a criminal complaint that charges them with using an explosive or fire to cause damage to real property affecting interstate commerce
The DOJ news release revealed that the defendants were scheduled for their initial court appearances in the U.S. District Court in Santa Ana later on Wednesday.
The DOJ disclosed that the attack on the Planned Parenthood clinic in March of 2022 resulted in a temporary closure and the cancellation of approximately 30 appointments. Donald Alway, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, described the act as depraved and jeopardizing lives, asserting that such actions would not be tolerated.
READ ALSO: Shooting Suspect Killed 3, Injured 5 Others To Expect Dismissal Of Charges In New Mexico
Leave a Reply