KEIZER, Ore. — At least one person attempted to break in and then threw Molotov cocktails at a pro-life organization's building in Keizer Sunday night, according to police.
Investigators said someone unsuccessfully tried to break a window at the Oregon Right to Life building off River Road North around 10:40 p.m. Then they lit two Molotov cocktails and threw them at the brick building, causing a small fire.
On Thursday the Keizer Police Department released photos of a suspect vehicle leaving the area, apparently captured by nearby surveillance cameras. The vehicle appears to be a white sedan, but police said the make and model are unknown.
Trevor Lane, spokesperson for Oregon Right to Life, told the Salem Reporter that a small heating unit in the front office was damaged and some foliage burned.
The fire caused "minimal damage" before it was extinguished and no one was inside the building at the time, police added.
"It's pretty close to home, it's scary," said Kimberly Smith, whose house is behind Oregon Right to Life's building. "It's not a good feeling, especially knowing we have grandkids playing in the backyard."
An arson investigator from the Salem Police Department responded to assist Keizer police detectives with the investigation. Police have not released any suspect information as of Monday afternoon.
"It's concerning," said Keizer Police Lt. Trevor Wenning. "[People should] use their kind words to influence public opinion as opposed to putting lives in danger."
Oregon Right to Life bills itself as the state's "leading pro-life organization," with a mission to "reestablish protection for all innocent human life from conception to natural death," according to organization's website.
"Understandably, our team is shaken up by this attack," said Oregon Right to Life executive director, Lois Anderson. "We are committed to taking proper precautions to protect the safety of our staff as we move forward. We are thankful for the quick action of our first responders committed to maintaining a safe environment to operate in this community."
Sunday night's vandalism comes about a week after a leaked draft report indicated that the U.S. Supreme Court was poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, putting the future of abortion rights in jeopardy.
The draft report has sparked protests in Oregon and around the country.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to message the Keizer Police Department at tips@keizer.org or call 503-856-3529.