FBI offers reward for information on threats against pro-life groups

Last updated on June 9th, 2023 at 06:12 am

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) branch in Omaha, Nebraska, is offering a $15,000 reward for information regarding threats against pro-life advocates last year, following months of alleged lack of action by the Department of Justice. The threats, originating from an entity or entities identifying as the pro-abortion extremist group “Jane’s Revenge”, promised to target pro-lifers in response to Nebraska’s potential abortion restrictions after 12 weeks gestation. “Jane’s Revenge” has previously claimed responsibility for the vandalism and firebombing of various pregnancy centers and churches nationwide.

These threats, issued in December 2022, were initially discovered in the form of two notes, threatening violence on pro-lifers. One was found on the door of the St. John Paul II Newman Center at the University of Nebraska Omaha, the other taped to the outer door of Christ Community Church in Omaha. Both notes threatened retaliation with “AR14 rifles” if an abortion ban was implemented, a term possibly confused with the known semi-automatic AR-15 rifle.

Members of the Students For Life of America (SFLA) found the note on the Newman Center door while preparing for a Political Leadership Workshop. Kristan Hawkins, the head of SFLA, documented the incident on Facebook, expressing concern for the safety of pro-life advocates and urging the Attorney General to take action against such threats.

The threats against pro-life groups have escalated in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, and the potential overthrow of Roe v. Wade. According to FBI Director Christopher Wray, 70 percent of abortion-related violence following these developments has been aimed at pro-life advocates. Yet, the Biden administration has been criticized for an alleged lack of action in prosecuting the perpetrators.

In response, a GOP majority in the U.S. House of Representatives decided in January to form a “Weaponization of Government” Select Committee to investigate alleged bias in the FBI’s approach, among other issues. This move was followed by the FBI’s announcement of a $25,000 reward for information on attacks against pro-life centers. As of now, five pro-abortion activists have been indicted for vandalism under the FACE Act since the Roe v. Wade ruling.