The FBI Came Knocking
Elise Ketch is not the typical person I report on in this blog. She has described herself as politically progressive and works for an organization that advocates for dismantling capitalism. Earlier in her life, she served as a Diversity and Inclusion representative for the Honors College of Virginia Commonwealth University. Later, she served on the Dean's Diversity board. I’m certain there are many topics on which we would disagree. However, in her current employment, Ketch is the Digital Content Creator for the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising. The PAAU bio of Ketch states that she is best known for her zine, “A Young, Femme, Gay Leftist Handed You this Pro-Life Zine.” Yes, Elise Ketch is pro-life.
When news broke that on April 18th, 2023, two FBI agents appeared at the front door of her mother’s home looking for Elise, I was interested. According to the FBI agents they wanted to speak with Elise but wouldn’t reveal any details to the mother. This didn’t surprise me.
In the second part of the Twitter video, Elise’s mother has her daughter on the speakerphone and the agents continue to be vague. Elise told the agents to contact her attorney and then refuses to say anything more. That is certainly wise on her part. The agents never contact her attorney.
The FBI appears to be focused on the PAAU. Another member of this pro-life group, Lauren Handy, phoned the police when she made the grisly discovery of 110 pulverized 1st-trimester babies and five premie-sized babies in a box labeled as medical waste on the sidewalk near an abortion clinic in Washington DC. Instead of investigating the five late-term, possibly partial-birth, abortions the authorities instead arrested Lauren and have since indicted her on federal charges under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act).
After reviewing the photographs, former abortion doctor Kathi Aultman said, “‘Baby Girl #1’ was aborted in either the late 2nd or early 3rd trimester and likely had a decent chance at survival at her gestational age and size.” Based on this information, reporter Mary Margaret Olohan repeatedly asked the D.C. Medical Examiner and Bowser’s office why autopsies had not been performed on the five late-term babies but, she has received no answer. (Warning: The images are graphic and disturbing.)
The FBI should be investigating the Washington DC abortion clinic but they almost certainly are not. Perhaps the FBI agents wanted to discuss the case against pro-life activist Lauren Handy. That is plausible. However, on Twitter, Elise Ketch said, “I believe the FBI’s true motive behind their visit to my parent’s home was to intimidate me and my team.” She may be correct. The FBI should be capable of finding a phone number for someone they need to speak with.
The website Convention of States quoted Ketch as stating, “This weaponization of our government institutions protects the abortion industrial complex, and it reinforces that we must disrupt these unjust power structures. The most prevalent domestic threat to our country is the murder of thousands of preborn people by abortion each day. It is not terrorism to nonviolently intervene and rescue these powerless children before their slaughter. I’m willing to risk my own freedom and sacrifice my rights in order to secure theirs.” It is strange to agree with a progressive anti-capitalist on such an important issue, but in this case, I do.
Can conservatives and progressives find common ground around issues such as abortion? Has the Biden justice department initiated an intimidation campaign against pro-life organizations? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.
