MADISON (WKOW) — Local leaders and organizations are speaking out against violence after what Madison police believe was an arson attack targeting an anti-abortion organization.
Gov. Tony Evers condemned the attack, saying violence “was never the answer.”
“We reject violence against any person for disagreeing with another’s opinion,” Governor Evers tweeted.
We condemn violence and hate in all its forms, including Wisconsin Family Action’s actions in Madison last night. We reject violence against any person for disagreeing with another’s opinion.
Violence is not the way to go. Hurting others is never the answer.
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) May 8, 2022
Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson also denounced the attack, calling it “abhorrent.”
This attack is abhorrent and must be condemned by all. https://t.co/CGnPmMJUmo
— Senator Ron Johnson (@SenRonJohnson) May 8, 2022
Two local groups on both sides of the anti-abortion debate also issued statements.
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin (PPAWI) reaffirmed their values of health and safety for their staff and patients, saying their work is “rooted in love.”
“We condemn all forms of violence and hate within our communities,” PPAWI tweeted.
At Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, the health and safety of patients and health center staff is our top priority. Our work to protect continued access to reproductive care is rooted in love. We condemn all forms of violence and hate within our communities.
— Wisconsin Planned Parenthood Advocates (@PPAWI) May 8, 2022
Pro-Life Wisconsin wishes for the safety of all pro-life advocates and those at Wisconsin Family Action. They also included a quote from Julaine Appling, president of Wisconsin Family Action, who called the attack a “manifestation of the anger and lack of tolerance of pro-choice people toward those of us who are pro-life.”
Please pray for our dear friends in @WIFamilyAction and for the safety of all pro-lifers.
“This is the local manifestation of the anger and lack of tolerance of pro-choice people towards those of us who are pro-life.” -Julaine Appling https://t.co/etcrXQJM3D
— Pro-Life Wisconsin (@ProLifeWI) May 8, 2022
Several candidates running for statewide office in Wisconsin also issued statements Sunday.
“Do NOT be afraid of these extremists,” tweeted Republican gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleefisch. “God will never leave us.”
Do NOT be afraid of these extremists. God will never leave us.
Please join us in the pro-life movement. We need your prayers and support because the fight is not going to be easy.
With your help, we can stand tall and WIN. https://t.co/dbN6Go2ChU
— Rebecca Kleefisch (@RebeccaforReal) May 8, 2022
Sarah Godlewski, Treasurer of Wisconsin and a Democratic candidate for Senate, condemned the attack in a statement.
“No one should resort to the kind of violence we have seen too often against abortion providers, doctors and clinics: we defend our reproductive freedom by contacting our representatives, showing up at the polls and marching in the streets,” she said.” Violence is never the answer.”
Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels also tweeted about the incident, saying, in part, “The attack on Wisconsin Family Action has no place in our democracy.”
The attack on Wisconsin Family Action has no place in our Democracy. Dane County Leaders, @GovEversY @WisDOJ must immediately issue unequivocal statements that this will not be tolerated, and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. https://t.co/UDYaSF9vTH
—Tim Michels (@michelsforgov) May 8, 2022
Reference-www.wkow.com