The DOJ has fired four U.S. Attorneys who prosecuted anti-abortion extremists for attacking clinics

4.14.26 (PRESS RELEASE) – The Trump administration on Monday fired several U.S. Attorneys responsible for prosecuting anti-abortion extremists who attacked abortion clinics. These are the same extremists Trump pardoned last year after they were convicted by juries of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.

Statement from Renee Chelian, Founder and CEO of Northland Family Planning, whose clinic was attacked by those pardoned, and who worked with one of the fired prosecutors:

“When I learned that the Trump Administration fired these prosecutors, I was sick. Our clinic was under attack that day—there is no other way to describe it. These extremists were blocking our doors, they wouldn’t let staff or patients inside, including one patient who was actively bleeding and needed immediate medical attention. Blocking people from getting medical care is a crime. Our patients and staff were traumatized. Some of my staff members were so traumatized they left their jobs, and many sought mental health support. Sitting through the trial was three weeks of hell—we were scared to be near these people, but the prosecutors worked so hard to be as fair as possible. I am worried for my safety now that Trump has given these zealots his blessing. Who can we call now? Who will protect us?”

Nancy Northup, President & CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights:

“DOJ’s firing of these prosecutors for doing their job throws acid on the rule of law, fairness, and justice. The jury in this case unanimously rejected the claim that the defendants were peaceful protesters. Congress passed the FACE Act in the wake of persistent violence and blockades against abortion clinics. In pardoning convicted extremists, refusing to fairly enforce the FACE Act, and firing the lawyers who did, the Trump Administration is giving a green light to terrorize abortion clinics and patients.” 

The FACE Act was passed in 1994 to address increasing violence against abortion clinics. Anti-abortion extremists have bombed abortion clinics and murdered abortion providers. Violence at clinics spiked after Roe v. Wade was overturned. Protestors continue to convene at clinics—but the FACE Act prohibits them from blocking or assaulting patients as they enter.

The DOJ also announced last year that it would no longer enforce the FACE Act for abortion clinic-related violence, except in extreme circumstances. A recent report found that, over the same time period, the current DOJ has dropped more FACE-related cases than the previous three administrations combined. The law has instead been used by the Trump administration to charge journalists reporting on protests at a Minnesota church following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretty by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Agents.  

The Center for Reproductive Rights is suing the Trump administration for information on the decision to selectively enforce the FACE Act and pardon violent offenders.

###

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]