On March 13, 2022, a Molotov cocktail attack occurred at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa, California. This incident led to the temporary closure of the clinic and the rescheduling of approximately 30 patient appointments. Xavier Batten, a 21-year-old from Brooksville, Florida, was involved in this attack by assisting in the creation of the incendiary device used.
Batten instructed Chance Brannon, a U.S. Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, and Tibet Ergul of Irvine, California, on how to assemble the Molotov cocktail. The security footage captured Brannon and Ergul, who were masked, throwing the device at the clinic, which resulted in a fire.
On January 19, following the attack, Batten pleaded guilty to one felony count of possessing an unregistered destructive device and one misdemeanor count of intentionally damaging a reproductive health services facility. He was sentenced on May 13, 2024, to 3½ years in federal prison and was also ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution. The sentencing judge described the crime as "cowardly" and highlighted the lack of empathy for women's rights.
Chance Brannon also pleaded guilty in December 2023 to several federal charges related to the attack, including malicious destruction of property and conspiracy. The specifics of Brannon’s sentencing have not been disclosed.