Man ransacks Planned Parenthood in Oregon, then returns to do more damage, feds say
An Oregon man twice broke windows and damaged other property of a Planned Parenthood clinic, federal prosecutors said.
Devin Friedrick Kruse, 27, pleaded guilty to violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which “prohibits violent, threatening, damaging and obstructive conduct intended to injure, intimidate or interfere with an individual’s right to seek, obtain or provide reproductive health services,” according to a Sept. 19 news release from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
“The First Amendment does not allow individuals to violate the civil rights of others,” U.S. Attorney Natalie Wight said in the release. “In this case, Mr. Kruse’s destructive and intimidating acts prevented women from accessing vital reproductive and pregnancy health services.”
Neither Kruse’s attorney nor Planned Parenthood immediately responded to McClatchy News’ request for comment on Sept. 20.
First, on Nov. 23, 2021, Kruse “broke five security cameras, a window, and a sign at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Grants Pass,” according to prosecutors. He returned three days later to hurl a concrete block through a window, as well as tear down an intercom system and break multiple light bulbs.
“Kruse later admitted to damaging the facility because he was angry at Planned Parenthood for killing unborn children,” according to the release.
“Citizens have a legal right to peacefully protest, but Mr. Kruse’s actions of repeated violence toward a Planned Parenthood clinic crossed a line,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Kieran L. Ramsey said in the news release.
Kruse, who will pay full restitution to Planned Parenthood per his plea agreement, was charged with two counts of violating the FACE Act in February, the release says. Such violations face up to a one-year prison sentence.
Kruse is set to be sentenced on Jan. 5, 2023, the release says.
Grants Pass is about 140 miles south of Eugene.
This story was originally published September 20, 2022 at 1:42 PM with the headline "Man ransacks Planned Parenthood in Oregon, then returns to do more damage, feds say."
