Earlier this week, a man from Prophetstown, Illinois, pleaded guilty to attempting to burn down a building intended for use as a reproductive health clinic. The defendant, 73-year-old Philip J. Buyno, evidently had a motive fueled by animosity towards the provision of reproductive health services, as reported by the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois. Buyno's case comes amid ongoing challenges faced by reproductive health clinics across the nation.
Earlier this year, Buyno armed himself with gasoline containers, breached the building's front entrance using his car, and attempted to torch it before it could commence operations as a clinic. Police officers who arrived on the scene discovered Buyno trapped inside his maroon Volkswagen Passat, which had been fortified with several additional tools aimed at carrying out the crime.
This included road flares, old tires, a hatchet, matches, and 4x4 wooden beams. His efforts, however, were ultimately unsuccessful. With a sentencing date set for February 5, 2024, Buyno faces between five to twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release.
Additionally, he will be held accountable for the damages incurred during his desperate attempt to level the building.
