Teen Charged With Attacks Tulsa Abortion Clinic Was Bombed, Shot Up

Federal agents arrested a 15-year-old boy Thursday on charges he bombed and shot up an abortion clinic in a series of attacks that started on New Year’s Day.

The boy, whose name was not released, faces charges of using an explosive device and a firearm to damage a building, U.S. Attorney Steve Lewis said.

Lewis gave no motive for the attacks at the Reproductive Services clinic in Tulsa.

KOTV-TV and radio station KRMG reported that hand grenades and other weapons were discovered in the youngster’s house in suburban Bixby. Authorities wouldn’t comment on any evidence found.

The clinic was firebombed on New Year’s Day, then hit with two unidentified explosive devices on Jan. 19. On Sunday, someone broke in and shot up medical equipment. No one was injured in any of the attacks.

The search of the boy’s house Thursday morning was prompted by a tip that came in from a caller after the FBI issued a sketch and two enhanced images of a suspect in the break-in. Authorities wouldn’t say where the images came from.

“No decision has been made regarding whether there would be a request to try the young man as an adult,” Lewis said.

Sherri Finik, executive director of the clinic, said she was grateful for the arrest.

“It’s just a wonderful sense of safety and security,” Finik said. “For the first time in months really I felt that I can go home and not be worried about what’s going to happen to the clinic when I’m not here.”