Madison police will have extra patrols outside organizations through weekend following Roe reversal

June 24, 2022 4:31 PM

Jaymes Langrehr, Logan Reigstad,

Posted: June 24, 2022 4:31 PM

Updated: June 24, 2022 10:30 PM

MADISON, Wis. — The Madison Police Department said it plans to add extra patrols outside of “organizations and businesses that may generate interest” after Friday’s ruling overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion case.

The department said Friday evening it has been in communication with downtown businesses about their plans and is working with other law enforcement agencies ahead of a rally planned outside the Wisconsin State Capitol Friday night.

Police said there is nothing to suggest any rallies or demonstrations will be disorderly or a threat to the community, but they will have their Special Events Team activated to monitor the crowds and keep them safe during any demonstrations.

The decision to increase patrols comes after the Madison office of Wisconsin Family Action, a pro-life group, was targeted in a firebombing last month in the days that followed a leaked draft version of the Supreme Court opinion that signaled Roe was likely being overturned. An online group calling themselves “Jane’s Revenge” took responsibility for the vandalism, but Madison police have not made any arrests in that case, to the frustration of Wisconsin Family Action officials.

“The Madison Police Department supports the rights of people to speak openly and freely about their beliefs,” Madison police public information officer Stephanie Fryer said Friday. “We ask anyone who plans to gather this weekend to do so peacefully.”

Hundreds of protesters took part in a demonstration outside the Capitol following the ruling.