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Pro-life Display Destroyed at Washington University - Vandal Arrested

By John-Henry Westen

BELLINGHAM, WA, May 3, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A Western Washington University pro-life club's display was virtually destroyed by yesterday afternoon by a bare-foot male student who was photographed and videotaped as he dismantled the display. After spending more than three hours playing his guitar and observing the campus-approved display, the Asian male began to tape newspapers over one of the perimeter signs that warned students they were approaching the display.

The student was then observed leaping over the perimeter barricade that surrounded the display. Pro-life students, out of respect for his person, did not physically interfere as the vandal proceeded to systematically tear down the entire display. Their first concern was for the safety of several small children inside the display area who were quickly moved to safety.

At one point the student picked up one of the plastic pipes used for framework and hurled through one of the signs later ripping the large poster to shreds and proceeding to destroy the next sign. When he had completed his destruction, the young man left the enclosure and rejoined a handful of pro-abortion supporters who had gathered to cheer him on. The group embraced the young

man and greeted him with cheers and applause.

The incident was captured on film by numerous security cameras. Campus police were called and as soon as the sirens could be heard, the young man immediately ran into one of the campus buildings. He was followed through the building and exited out the back where he was observed heading into the forested surroundings. Campus police arrived within minutes and several constables pursued him into the heavy bush. Within thirty minutes they had captured him and he was escorted to the police station. Charges are pending but police indicated that he faces felony charges as well as campus disciplinary action.

John Hof, President of Campaign Life Coalition BC who was present for the display complimented the pro-life students for their calm demeanour during this assault on their campus freedoms. "Not one student raised their voice or their hands as this whole incident transpired," Hof told LifeSiteNews.com.  "In fact the destruction of the display lead many more students to engage the pro-lifers in discussion. They certainly gained the sympathy of onlookers and passers-by as they quietly attempted to repair the damage done and re-erect the display as best they could."

Preliminary estimates indicated the damage done could reach as high as several thousand dollars.   Organizers said they had permission from campus administration for a two-day display and promised to return for their second day today.

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