Illinois man sentenced to 5 years in prison for attempted arson of abortion clinic

A 73-year-old Illinois man, Philip J. Buyno, was sentenced to five years in prison for attempting to set fire to a planned abortion clinic by driving a car into the building last year. Buyno also received three years of supervised release and is required to pay $327,547 in restitution, as determined by U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce.

He pleaded guilty to the federal charge of attempting to use fire to damage a building used in interstate commerce. Buyno's attempt was unsuccessful as Danville police officers found him stuck inside the car, which he had backed into the entrance of the building. Upon searching the car, FBI agents discovered bottles filled with gasoline, a hatchet, road flares, old tires, and a pack of matches. It was also revealed that Buyno had reinforced the car's trunk with wooden beams.

Reaffirming the severity of the crime

The sentencing reaffirms the severity of the crime and the potential threat posed, highlighting the importance of preventing such dangerous acts.