PEORIA, IL – Tyler W. Massengill, 33, of Illinois, will spend the next decade behind bars for a deliberate act of arson targeting the Planned Parenthood Peoria Health Center. Massengill was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a staggering $1.45 million in restitution for the damage he caused.
Federal prosecutors detailed in court how Massengill maliciously set the Peoria Health Center ablaze on January 15th. The motive? A twisted rage stemming from a belief that his former partner had received an abortion at the facility. Court documents reveal Massengill chillingly admitted he hoped his actions would disrupt services, even if only briefly, considering it a potentially “worth it” outcome. The resulting fire caused significant damage, temporarily halting critical healthcare access for the community.
“This defendant’s violent conduct severely damaged the Peoria Health Center and obstructed patients’ access to reproductive health services,” stated Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute such unlawful, destructive acts, and to protect the clinics that provide reproductive health services, as well as their patients and staff.” The case underscores a growing national concern regarding violence aimed at reproductive healthcare providers.
U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris for the Central District of Illinois condemned Massengill’s actions as “reprehensible,” highlighting the impact on women’s access to vital reproductive healthcare. “We are grateful to our federal and local law enforcement partners for their excellent work on this investigation,” Harris added. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the FBI Springfield Field Office, Peoria Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
ATF Director Steven Dettelbach minced no words, stating, “Any violent act like this is unacceptable. Worse here, is that this defendant used violence to target health care providers and their patients.” Special Agent in Charge David Nanz of the FBI Springfield Field Office echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that Massengill’s actions represent “the very real threat posed by extremists in our communities.” The FBI remains focused on disrupting such individuals before they escalate to violence.
Massengill previously pleaded guilty on February 16th to one count of malicious use of fire and an explosive to damage, and attempt to damage, the Peoria Health Center. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna and Trial Attorney Erin Monju led the prosecution. The Justice Department urges anyone with information about violence, threats, or obstruction targeting reproductive healthcare services to report it immediately to the FBI at www.tips.fbi.gov. More information on the Justice Department’s related enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/crt/national-task-force-violence-against-reproductive-h…
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