Pipe Bombing Attempt : Suspect Denied Bond in Abortion Clinic Attack

A federal magistrate Wednesday denied bond to a man accused of planting a pipe bomb at a San Diego abortion clinic.

Eric Everett Svelmoe, 29, remained in detention at the Metropolitan Correction Center after Federal Magistrate Irma Gonzalez said she could not assure that Svelmoe would not repeat a violent act if released.

In handing down her decision, Gonzalez said Svelmoe acted out of deep religious convictions that abortion was wrong. Svelmoe is a member of the Bible Missionary Congregation in Santee, a conservative church that often pickets abortion clinics in San Diego County.

Svelmoe is charged with manufacturing and possessing an explosive device; interstate transportation of explosives; attempted bombing and arson of property affected by interstate commerce, and carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony. He faces up to 35 years in prison and $1 million in fines if convicted, Assistant U.S. Atty. Larry Burns said.

Bible Missionary Congregation members who attended the bail hearing to testify about Svelmoe’s moral character said Gonzalez’s decision was based on an “obvious liberal bias.”

Supporters Decry Decision

“(Svelmoe) certainly would not do again what he was attempting to do, especially with all of his friends and loved ones putting up close to $1 million in bail,” said the Rev. Dorman Owens, who heads the congregation.

“I haven’t talked to him, but I know him,” Owens said. “I think he knows now that it was a crazy thing to do, because you can’t get away with something like that.”

Owens said that church assets and property belonging to Svelmoe’s parents and in-laws were offered as bond.

“No amount of money, in my mind, can ensure the safety of the community,” Gonzalez said in the courtroom.

Authorities say Svelmoe made and planted the pipe bomb discovered two weeks ago at Family Planning Associates Medical Group, 6495 Alvarado Road. The bomb did not go off.

Abortion clinic workers said they were pleased with the decision to detain Svelmoe, viewing it as a possible an end to harassment.

Deborah Fleming, executive director of Womancare Clinic in San Diego, said pickets frequently harass women who enter the facility and are part of a nationwide conspiracy of violence against those who use such clinics.