MADISON, WI – A Madison, Wisconsin man received a 90-month federal prison sentence Wednesday for a brazen 2022 attack on a building housing an organization opposed to abortion. Hridindu Sankar Roychowdhury, 29, admitted to hurling a Molotov cocktail at the structure shortly after the draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization – the case that ultimately overturned Roe v. Wade – became public. The attack wasn’t a protest; it was an attempt to intimidate and instill fear, authorities say.
According to court documents, the May 8, 2022, firebombing caused significant damage to the building. First responders arrived at approximately 6:06 a.m. to find a shattered window and the remnants of a crude incendiary device: a broken mason jar, a burned lighter, and another jar containing an accelerant. Spray-painted on the exterior walls were threatening messages, including “If abortions aren’t safe then you aren’t either” and an anarchy symbol with the number “1312” – a code often used to signify “All Cops Are Bastards.”
The investigation, spearheaded by the FBI and ATF, quickly turned to forensic evidence. Crucially, DNA recovered from the scene linked Roychowdhury to the crime. Investigators also connected him to earlier vandalism at the Wisconsin State Capitol, where surveillance footage showed an individual spray-painting “We will get revenge.” The similarities between the graffiti at both locations sealed his fate. “Engaging in an act of terror – in this case, firebombing a business because of their beliefs – is criminal and unamerican,” stated ATF Director Stephen Dettelbach. “As today’s sentencing demonstrates, it won’t be tolerated.”
Roychowdhury pleaded guilty on December 1, 2023, to attempting to damage a building by means of fire or an explosive – a federal offense carrying a hefty penalty. U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea for the Western District of Wisconsin didn’t mince words, labeling Roychowdhury’s actions as “domestic terrorism.” “Domestic terrorism is cowardly and profoundly undemocratic,” O’Shea said. “It is not speech; it is not an exchange of ideas; instead, it is an attempt to harm or frighten one’s fellow citizens.”
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting such acts of violence. “The sentence imposed today is the result of innovative work by the FBI and Justice Department prosecutors,” she said. “It is also a reminder that the Justice Department will hold accountable those who turn to violence as a means of intimidation.” The investigation involved a collaborative effort from multiple local, state, and federal agencies, including the ATF’s forensic laboratory and the Boston Field Division.
FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate added a stark warning: “The FBI will not stand for the use of violence or criminal activity to express personal views on any matter.” While the case is closed with Roychowdhury headed to prison, it serves as a chilling reminder of the escalating tensions and potential for violence surrounding highly charged social and political issues. The 90-month sentence sends a clear message: political extremism does not justify criminal acts.
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- Hridindu Sankar Roychowdhury, Firebombing, Madison WI, 2022 · Massachusetts
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