A group that calls itself “Jane’s Revenge” has allegedly taken responsibility for the vandalism at the Madison headquarters of the anti-abortion group Wisconsin Family Action, according to an investigative reporter from the online news site Bellingcat.
In a series of tweets on Tuesday, the reporter shared screenshots of a “first communiqué” he allegedly received from a trusted, anonymous source acting as an intermediary for Jane’s Revenge.
While WPR cannot confirm the veracity of this document, the author(s) claim that Sunday’s incident “was only a warning” and that there will be more violence to come if similar “anti-choice groups” and “fake clinics” do not disband within the next 30 days.
On Tuesday, the Madison Police Department said in an emailed statement it is aware of these recent claims.
“(We) are working with our federal partners to determine the veracity of that claim. We take all information and tips related to this case seriously and are working to vet each and every one,” the statement said.
At a press conference Monday, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said he had no suspects and asked anyone with information to call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014.
Sign up for daily news!
Stay informed with WPR’s email newsletter.
The name Jane’s Revenge is likely a reference to Jane’s Collective, an underground network that helped women get access to abortions before they were legalized by the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.
The author(s) go on to say that access to health care is their main concern.
“Too long have we been attacked for asking for basic medical care. Too long have we been shot, bombed, and forced into childbirth without consent,” the statement said. “This is not a mere ‘difference of opinion’ as some have framed it. We are literally fighting for our lives.”
According to the document, the group claims to be in cities across the country and that “Wisconsin is the first flashpoint.”
In a similar incident on Sunday evening, someone attempted to break into and threw Molotov cocktails at a Right to Life clinic in Keizer, Oregon. According to a police report, there was a small fire with minimal damage and no injuries. The investigation is ongoing and there are no suspects at this time.
