COSTA MESA, Calif. (NewsNation) — A California man pleaded guilty Thursday to firebombing a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa in 2022.
Tibet Ergul, 22, allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the clinic’s entrance, intentionally starting a fire. Ergul and another man charged in the incident, Chance Brannon, 24, told investigators they targeted the clinic because it provided reproductive health services. They were also hoping the act would scare women away from obtaining an abortion, according to the Department of Justice.
Brannon was an active-duty U.S. Marine at the time of the attack.
Ergul and Brannon also planned to attack an electrical substation in Orange County. “The rifle is in a box in my room waiting to be used in the upcoming race war,” a letter from Ergul to Brannon read, according to prosecutors.
Ergul also discussed a desire to kill politicians and journalists, the DOJ said, and they had additional plans to “attack” Dodger Stadium in 2023 on a night meant to celebrate LGBTQ pride.
Ergul pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to damage an energy facility and one misdemeanor count of intentional damage to a reproductive health services facility. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 30 and faces up to 21 years in prison.
Brannon pleaded guilty in November to conspiracy, malicious destruction of property by fire and explosives, possession of an unregistered destructive device and intentional damage to a reproductive health services facility. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 15.
