Chance Brannon, 24, of San Juan Capistrano, attacked a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa, California, on March 13, 2022. The alleged white supremacist from California was sentenced on Monday to nine years in prison.
Following the firebombing, the case was investigated by Costa Mesa police, the FBI, and the NCIS.
According to federal officials, Brannon was an active member of the US Marine Corps stationed at Camp Pendleton at the time of the attack.
US Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement that this man's deep-seated hatred led him to commit the firebombing and plan many other acts of violence, including a race war. He added that this prosecution sends a message that California will act decisively to protect communities from acts of violence and will remain united against hate.
Brannon also allegedly planned to do home invasions against Jewish people, target Dodger Stadium during pride celebrations, and strike an electrical substation in an attempt to start a racial conflict.
Authorities arrested Brannon in June 2023; later that year, he pleaded guilty.
The marine was discovered carrying a gun with the Cyrillic words "Total [N-word] Death" scrawled on it and a thumb drive that was masked as a military-style necklace and contained several operational plans.
According to authorities, Brannon also possessed a recording of the 2019 shooting at the Christchurch mosque and greeted friends with "Heil Hitler."
His accomplices, Xavier Batten, 21, of Brooksville, Florida, and Tibet Ergul, 22, of Irvine, have also been arrested and have entered guilty pleas to crimes related to their schemes.
Both are expected to be sentenced next month.
The National Abortion Federation reported that after the 2022 ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, there was a "sharp increase" in threats and attacks against abortion facilities, going from 182 in 2021 to 218 in 2022.
