Costa Mesa, California – A former marine has been sentenced to nine years in prison for firebombing a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa, California. Chance Brannon, along with his co-defendant Tibet Ergul, conspired to plot attacks including a potential attack on a power grid in support of a “race war,” according to the Justice Department. Brannon, an active-duty member of the Marines at the time of the attack in March 2022, pleaded guilty to multiple counts related to the incident, including conspiracy and malicious destruction of property by fire and explosives.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division condemned Brannon’s assault on the clinic as an act of terror aimed at intimidating patients seeking reproductive healthcare. Brannon, 24, was also ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution in addition to his prison sentence. The FBI noted that Brannon was motivated by neo-Nazi ideology and had plans for further violent attacks targeting different groups.
Ergul and another co-defendant, Xavier Batten, pleaded guilty to their charges and are awaiting sentencing. Brannon’s plan included attacking a Planned Parenthood clinic following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but the plan was abandoned due to law enforcement presence in the area. The incident at the Costa Mesa clinic resulted in the cancellation of numerous appointments, but luckily, no one was injured in the attack.
The National Abortion Federation reported a significant increase in violence at abortion clinics in 2022, reflecting a concerning trend. Brannon’s extremist views led him to target individuals who did not align with his beliefs, leading to a violent and potentially deadly attack at the Planned Parenthood clinic. Prosecutors highlighted Brannon’s discussions of “cleansing” the US of specific ethnic groups as evidence of his dangerous ideology.
In addition to the Planned Parenthood attack, Brannon and his accomplice researched and planned attacks on other targets, including Dodger Stadium during an LGBTQ+ pride event. Brannon’s arrest foiled these plans, preventing potential harm to innocent individuals. The FBI has warned of threats by extremist groups to create civil disorder and inspire further violence, emphasizing the ongoing need for vigilance against domestic terrorism.
Overall, Brannon’s sentencing serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by individuals radicalized by extremist ideologies and underscores the critical importance of preventing and addressing domestic terrorism threats in the United States. Vigilance, collaboration between law enforcement agencies, and community engagement are vital in combating such threats and ensuring the safety and security of all individuals.