A Florida man is currently in custody without bail following his alleged involvement in a firebombing attack on a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa in 2022
21-year-old Xavier Batten, hailing from Brooksville, Florida, was apprehended by the FBI on Friday and is being held without bail.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has formally charged him alongside two previously identified individuals. These include 21-year-old Tibet Ergul from Irvine and 23-year-old Chance Brannon from San Juan Capistrano, who is an active-duty Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton. Both Ergul and Brannon were arrested on June 14 on suspicion of using an explosive or fire to damage real property affecting interstate commerce. This offense carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Their arraignment is scheduled for Monday morning.
Ergul and Brannon stand accused of igniting and throwing a Molotov cocktail at the clinic entrance during the early hours of March 13, 2022. The attack was captured on security footage. Meanwhile, Batten is accused of providing guidance and direction to Brannon in constructing the Molotov cocktail.
All three defendants have been charged with conspiracy and malicious destruction of property by fire and explosion. Additionally, Brannon and Ergul face charges of possessing an unregistered destructive device and intentionally damaging a reproductive health services facility, both of which are violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.
“The indictment reveals an intolerable act of violence and recklessness against a Planned Parenthood clinic,” stated U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. “This demonstrates the dedication of federal law enforcement in uncovering and holding accountable those planning and executing violent extremist acts against others.”
The charges of conspiracy and malicious destruction each carry a possible sentence of five to 20 years in federal prison. Possession of an unregistered destructive device could result in up to 10 years of imprisonment, while intentionally damaging a reproductive health facility carries a maximum sentence of one year in federal prison.
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