DANVILLE, IL – An elderly man from Prophetstown, Illinois, has confessed to his attempt to destroy a proposed abortion clinic in eastern Illinois. At the time of the incident, he drove his car into the clinic building and attempted to set it ablaze. Philip J. Buyno, 73, admitted to his actions in court on Tuesday, according to statements from the prosecution.
Buyno faced a federal charge for his attempt to use fire to damage a building involved in interstate commerce. He confessed that on May 20, he had brought several gasoline-filled containers and used his vehicle to break into a commercial building in Danville. His intention was to burn down the building before it could be utilized as a reproductive health clinic.
Local law enforcement in Danville responded to an alarm triggered at the building around 4:30 a.m. on the day of the incident. They discovered Buyno trapped inside his car, which he had reversed into the building’s entrance.
Upon searching the vehicle, FBI agents discovered gasoline-filled bottles, a hatchet, road flares, old tires, and a pack of matches. It was also noted that Buyno had reinforced the trunk of his car with wooden beams.
Buyno’s sentencing is scheduled for February 5. He could face a prison term ranging from five to 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000. He also has the potential of facing three years of supervised release. Additionally, Buyno may be asked bear the responsibility to pay restitution for the damage inflicted on the building.