Our Response to the Arrest of Alleged Firebomber
Thursday, March 30, 2023
Dear ,
A Madison man, Hridindu Sankar Roychowdhury, 29, was arrested yesterday morning in Massachusetts as he was attempting to board a plane in Boston headed for Guatemala. Mr. Roychowdhury is charged with one count of attempting to cause damage by means of fire or an explosive for the attack on our office on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2022. This charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to a maximum of twenty years.
“According to the complaint, Mr. Roychowdhury used an incendiary device in violation of federal law in connection with his efforts to terrorize and intimidate a private organization,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division in a statement released yesterday.
A complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The full criminal complaint is available online, and quite honestly is worth reading. Doing so will explain why some media headlines have talked about a burrito, graffiti, and the firebombing of our office in a single article.
While we are grateful progress is being made in resolving our case, we do not have any other details about the organization and funding behind over 100 attacks on pro-life organizations, churches, and pregnancy care centers across America that have occurred since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision was leaked. Of course, this is the decision that ultimately, on June 24, 2022, overturned Roe v. Wade.
The threatening message on our exterior wall, “If abortions aren’t safe, then you aren’t either,” is a vivid reminder that the issue that provoked this attack was related to our very public and long-recognized work to create a culture
of life in Wisconsin, where eventually abortion is unthinkable. I am keenly aware, however, that we are always vulnerable to attacks of all kinds for our work on other critically important issues as well, issues such as marriage, family, human sexuality, and religious freedom.
At right is a picture of the rebuilt/repaired wall and window in my office where the attack happened, so you can see for yourself how we’ve recovered from the attack!
Our official response to all the media inquiries we have had regarding this recent arrest (and there have been many from both state and national outlets) is, “We have no comment at this time.” We realize this doesn’t give people what they are looking for, but right now it is the most prudent response for. That said, I wanted you to hear directly from us about this recent development and to assure you we are aware of what has happened and have met with law enforcement officials in person. Frankly, right now we are working to stay laser-focused on the incredibly important Supreme Court race we are in the midst of right now–and we urge you to do all you can to get conservative voters to the polls.
We will keep you updated as more information becomes available on the case involving the arrested alleged perpetrator.
Thank you for your concern, your prayers, and your support in so many ways. We are honored by your friendship as we continue to traverse paths and waters heretofore untraveled! This we know for sure: Our God is not surprised by any of what has happened, is happening, or will happen; and He is completely in control of all of it. That truth and your friendship are what enable us to press on!
God bless and keep you and yours.
For families,
Julaine K. Appling
President