Twitter Users Call Man Who Attacked Detention Facility ‘a Hero’
Willem Van Spronsen
A number of Twitter users are calling the man who attacked an immigration detention facility in Tacoma, Washington, a “hero” and “martyr.”
Authorities said Willem Van Spronsen died Saturday morning after a shootout with police when he arrived at the Northwest Detention Center and attempted to set buildings on fire, the Tacoma News Tribune reported.
The Tacoma Police Department responded to a call around 4 a.m. when Van Spronsen, armed with a rifle and flares, started throwing incendiary devices toward a propane tank in an effort to set fire to the facility and managed to ignite a car, the department said, according to The Seattle Times.
Deb Bartley, a friend of Van Spronsen, told the Times that he identified as an anarchist and anti-fascist (Antifa), and she believes his intent in attacking the center was to provoke a conflict.
“He was ready to end it,” Bartley said. “I think this was a suicide. But then he was able to kind of do it in a way that spoke to his political beliefs. I know he went down there knowing he was going to die.”
Written by #WillemVanSpronsen in 2011. https://t.co/QYwmzKquCF pic.twitter.com/5Sl6itcmVa
— Jake Hanrahan (@Jake_Hanrahan) July 14, 2019
Some people shared their responses on Twitter to news that Van Spronsen was a member of Antifa.
2020 presidential candidate and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee connected Trump to the attack. “Along with many Americans, I object with every fiber of my being to Donald Trump’s inhumane treatment of immigrants in America,” he tweeted. “But violence is not acceptable. We must be better and seek non-violent ways of pursuing the better world we want, as many groups are doing.”
Along with many Americans, I object with every fiber of my being to Donald Trump’s inhumane treatment of immigrants in America. But violence is not acceptable. We must be better and seek non-violent ways of pursuing the better world we want, as many groups are doing.
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) July 14, 2019
A number of users appear to sympathize with Van Spronsen’s actions.
One Antifa account called RevAbolitionMov with nearly 3,000 followers wrote, “RIP to anarchist fighter Willem Van Spronsen. The attack on the [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] facility in Tacoma is a proportionate action against enslavers and internment camp operators. He joins a long list of fallen anarchist martyrs who fought for a liberated world!”
RIP to anarchist fighter Willem Van Spronsen. The attack on the ICE facility in Tacoma is a proportionate action against enslavers and internment camp operators. He joins a long list of fallen anarchist martyrs who fought for a liberated world! https://t.co/teXxBeUTLU
— Revolutionary Abolitionist Movement (@RevAbolition) July 14, 2019
Others called him a martyr and a hero:
Yep, plenty of love for comrade Willem. 🤦🏽♀️ pic.twitter.com/8Hgm3AbKzi
— Rita Panahi (@RitaPanahi) July 14, 2019
https://twitter.com/loobylane/status/1150303918544564226
https://twitter.com/c0ntr4nym/status/1150231765711314945
https://twitter.com/GutterPossum/status/1150309854147436544
https://twitter.com/WinterFaithful/status/1150385624840458242
https://twitter.com/batkoanarkhiya/status/1150351755303182336
https://twitter.com/CommieAngel/status/1150349429687238656
#WillemVanSpronsen is a hero and he won't be soon forgotten. This is your one life to live during the brief moment in time of your existence. What are we all going to do to honor his memory and make sure this nazi state is smashed into a million pieces?
— Wayfinder Radio (@WayfinderRadio) July 14, 2019
#WillemVanSpronsen is a hero, we take the law into our own hands when the law fails those in need
— Manic Undercut Dream Twink (@NeonNobility) July 14, 2019
https://twitter.com/infrapolitics/status/1150235036567949312
https://twitter.com/Red_Sparty/status/1150309821251575808
GEO Group, a private correctional institutions company that runs the facility Van Spronsen attacked in Tacoma, told the Associated Press that accusations made against its facilities “have led to misplaced aggression and a dangerous environment for our employees, whose safety is our top priority.”
“Violence of any kind against our employees and property will not be tolerated,” GEO Group continued. “We are thankful for the quick and brave action by the Tacoma Police Department, which prevented innocent lives from being endangered.”
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