Local leaders and organizations condemn arson attack on local anti-abortion organization

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.

Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson also denounced the attack, calling it “abhorrent.”

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”