An Illinois man face charges for setting a Planned Parenthood clinic on fire because after being upset over his girlfriend’s abortion.
On January 15th, surveillance footage captured an unknown man arriving to the Peoria-based clinic in a white pickup truck.
According to the Department of Justice, the man exited the vehicle holding a rag and a “laundry detergent-sized bottle.” The suspect then lights the rag on fire, smashes one of the clinic’s windows, and tosses the bottle inside of the building.
It wasn’t too long before authorities received tips associating the pickup truck to 32-year-old Tyler W. Massengill.
When questioned about the incident, Massengill initially denied his involvement but later admitted to setting the building on fire. Investigators says Massengill claimed he committed the crime because he remembered his girlfriend’s abortion she received three-years ago.
Apparently, Massengill’s then-girlfriend had gotten an abortion at one of the clinics in the Peoria area while he was away for work in Alaska.
“On or around January 15, 2023, Massengill heard or saw something that reminded him of the abortion, again upsetting him,” the criminal complaint stated. “Massengill admitted that, on January 15, 2023, he broke the window out of the PHC and placed a burning container inside of the building.”
In addition, Massengill feels no remorse for his actions. In fact, he says it was “all worth it” if it meant causing a “delay” in someone’s abortion process. The damages caused to the clinic are reportedly worth $1 million and will force the office to be closed for months.
Nevertheless, Massengill is facing malicious use of fire and an explosive to damage, and attempt to damage charges. If he is found guilty of the crimes, Massengill can receive up to 40 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
