Senator Borrello Pens Letter to U.S. Attorney for the Western District Requesting Investigation into CompassCare Firebombing

The Honorable U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross
Western District of New York
138 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202

Dear Ms. Ross, 

The recent firebombing of the CompassCare pro-life pregnancy center in Amherst by violent extremists has caused understandable alarm among the staff, the community and elected officials like myself who do not believe violence is an acceptable form of political protest. 

Exacerbating the concern around this situation is the seeming lack of urgency and progress in investigating this crime and making arrests, despite the fact that there is surveillance footage and a clear claim of responsibility by a known domestic terrorist group that call themselves “Jane’s Revenge.”

At last report, the New York State Police have not been directed to investigate this incident, even though the alleged perpetrators have promised that they will escalate their violence against any pro-life pregnancy centers that do not permanently cease operations.  

As I am sure you agree, failure to aggressively pursue the perpetrators and treat this incident as the domestic terrorism case that it clearly is will only embolden these extremists. Thankfully, no one was harmed in this incident but if such crimes continue, it is virtually inevitable that there will eventually be casualties.

That is why I write with a request that your office immediately launch an investigation into this crime.

The state’s failure to take the lead in uncovering those responsible and holding them accountable is a path that will only lead to more violence by terrorist groups like this one.  For the good of all New Yorkers, we must act to prevent further attacks.  

Thank you for your consideration of my request. If I can assist in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Senator George M. Borrello