Suspect Admits Bombing Clinics for ‘God’s Law’

PENSACOLA, Fla. —  A 21-year-old man who said he was following “God’s law” was ordered held without bond Monday after admitting that he planted bombs that exploded at four clinics where abortions were performed. Authorities said he might be involved with some kind of secret organization.

“He felt that God’s law was what he had to follow, not man’s law,” agent Morris Pelham of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms said.

Officials testified at the bond hearing that the suspect, Matthew J. Goldsby of rural Cantonment, had told them he acted alone, but they were investigating whether a “secret-type organization” was involved. They would not identify the group.

U.S. Magistrate Robert Crongeyer denied bond for Goldsby, citing strong evidence against him and saying he was a danger to the community.

Faces 100 Years in Prison

“He told us he personally placed each device at each building,” Pelham said, adding that Goldsby, who faces more than 100 years in prison, said he opposes abortion and believes that no matter how much time he spends in prison, “if he saved one life then what he had done was worthwhile.”

Robert Hofer, another agent, testified that a search of Goldsby’s home turned up a half-dozen T-shirts, with a drawing of a mask and the slogan “Protector of the Code,” from a “secret-type organization” with “low membership.”

Goldsby, described as a regular churchgoer who had no prior criminal record, was arrested Sunday on charges of violating federal gun-control and explosives laws for three bombings on Christmas Day at the Ladies Center and clinics operated by Dr. William Permenter and Dr. Bo Bagenholm and one at the Ladies Center last June 25.

Pelham said authorities were able to piece together the remains of black-powder pipe bombs and timing devices found at sites of the Christmas Day explosions and traced the purchase of the pipe to Goldsby.

Pelham said Goldsby told investigators he acted alone, but Hofer said the T-shirts indicated there may have been others.