A former marine named Chance Brannon was sentenced to nine years in prison for using a Molotov cocktail to firebomb a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa, California. He conspired with his co-defendant Tibet Ergul, and another individual to plot attacks, including potential attacks on a power grid, in furtherance of a race war. Brannon was an active-duty member of the Marines at the time of the attack. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized that such violence has no place in the national discourse on reproductive health.
Brannon pleaded guilty to conspiracy, malicious destruction of property by fire and explosives, possession of an unregistered destructive device, and intentionally damaging a reproductive health services facility in violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. In addition to the nine-year prison sentence, he was also ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution. Brannon’s deep-rooted hatred and extremist views motivated him to target individuals and groups who did not conform to his neo-Nazi worldview. Acting Assistant Director in Charge Mehtab Syed of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office expressed concern over Brannon’s violent actions.
Brannon initially considered attacking other targets, such as the San Diego office for the Anti-Defamation League, before deciding on the Planned Parenthood clinic to intimidate pregnant women, deter doctors and staff from providing abortion services, and encourage similar violent acts. He and Ergul also planned a second attack on a Planned Parenthood clinic following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022 but abandoned the plan due to law enforcement presence in the area. The Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa had to cancel appointments after the incident, but no one was injured.
Brannon’s motivations were driven by neo-Nazi ideology, with plans to “cleanse” the US of particular ethnic groups. He kept plans for an attack on a Southern California Edison substation on a thumb drive disguised as a military-style necklace bearing the Marine Corps motto. The National Abortion Federation reported a sharp increase in violence at abortion clinics in 2022, with 25 physical attacks reported on power facilities across the US. The FBI warned of threats by extremist groups to create civil disorder and inspire further violence.
In addition to attacking the Planned Parenthood clinic, Brannon and Ergul also researched how to attack Dodger Stadium during an LGBTQ+ pride event using a remote-detonated device. They were arrested two days before the event was set to take place. Brannon had also begun planning to rob Jewish people living in the Hollywood Hills before his arrest. Brannon’s co-defendants, Ergul, and Xavier Batten, also pleaded guilty to their charges and will be sentenced at a later date. The Justice Department expressed concerns over the violent and extremist actions of Brannon and his co-defendants, highlighting the importance of addressing such acts in a timely and appropriate manner.
