A Philadelphia woman, Lore Elisabeth Blumenthal, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in connection with arson in the burning of two police cars during protests in 2020.
"Now that several of those arrested in Philadelphia in connection with arsons during the 2020 racial justice protests have been sentenced in federal court, it is important to reflect on the gravity of what happened in our city and across the country,” U.S. Attorney, Jacqueline Romero, said, a July 28 Department of Justice press release.
Blumenthal was also sentenced to two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay more than $95,000 in restitution, the release stated.
“We witnessed a movement that spurred thousands of people to take to the streets to peacefully protest unequal treatment under the law, but some saw it as an opportunity to commit violent, destructive crimes that endangered the lives of many, and ultimately robbed taxpayer-funded resources from the mission of protecting the public," Romero said. "That is unacceptable, and our office will continue to work to ensure that all Americans can safely and freely exercise their First Amendment rights, while holding accountable those who would hijack peaceful protests for their own violent and selfish ends.”
The sentencing sends a message, said Matthew Varisco, special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearm’s Philadelphia Field Division.
“When you are intent on conducting a violent act that breaks federal law, ATF and our law enforcement partners will make sure you are held accountable," Varisco said. "This type of violent behavior puts our entire community in danger, so the outcome of this investigation is a small victory for all citizens of the commonwealth.”
