On Thursday, November 30, Chance Brannon, a 24-year-old former US Marine, admitted guilt in federal court for setting fire to a Planned Parenthood facility in Costa Mesa in 2022. This shocking incident led to serious charges against him.
Disturbing Plans and Additional Targets
Brannon, an active-duty Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton during the crime, confessed to planning further attacks. These included targeting a second Planned Parenthood clinic, a Southern California Edison substation, and an LGBTQ pride night celebration at Dodger Stadium.
Guilty Plea to Severe Charges
Brannon pleaded guilty to four felonies, including causing intentional damage to a facility offering reproductive health services and maliciously destroying property using fire and explosives. These charges carry significant legal consequences.
Details of the Planned Parenthood Attack
The attack occurred around 1 a.m. on March 13, 2022, when Brannon and another person were captured on camera throwing a Molotov cocktail at the medical clinic’s front door. The second suspect was identified as 22-year-old Tibet Ergul from Irvine.
Discovery of Weapons and Subsequent Arrest
Authorities took Brannon into custody in June 2023 after discovering two silencers and an unregistered rifle in his possession. This led to heightened concerns and further legal action against him.
Revealing a Troubling Plan
A plea deal signed by Brannon, Ergul, and co-defendant Xavier Batten outlined their intention to use a Molotov cocktail to destroy a commercial property. Disturbingly, Brannon considered multiple targets, including the Anti-Defamation League in San Diego, revealing a troubling mindset.
Upcoming Trial and Legal Consequences
Batten and Ergul have pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the trial is scheduled to begin on March 19, 2024. Brannon faces a maximum statutory sentence of twenty years for each felony count, along with additional sentences for possessing an unregistered destructive device. His scheduled sentencing is set for April 15, 2024.
US Attorney’s Strong Statement
Martin Estrada, the US Attorney, emphasized the danger of domestic extremism, stating that Brannon’s case exemplifies this threat. He stressed the commitment to protecting the American people from such violent extremist ideology.