Clinic Bomber Convicted

On Tuesday, September 30, a federal jury convicted Brian Ratigan on five counts for his involvement in a bank robbery and Planned Parenthood clinic bombing in Spokane, Wash. last year.

Ratigan, a militia member and white supremacist, was a member of the "Phineas Priests" who were anti-government and used the Bible to justify deadly violence against banks and clinics. Prosecutors said Ratigan was the one who planted a pipe bomb that shattered the clinic, which did not even perform abortions, and was one of the four men who robbed a nearby bank later that day. Ratigan denied the charges, but testified that the Bible says banking and abortion are sins punishable by death.

Ratigan and the three other men face mandatory life prison terms at their sentencing next month.

Media Resources: AP - October 1, 1997

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