The FBI today announced a $110,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the attempted firebombing last month of a UCLA researcher's vehicle. A separate $60,000 reward is being offered for information about an attempted firebombing directed at a UCLA researcher's home in June 2006. In each case, anonymous animal rights extremists claimed responsibility.

UCLA contributed $30,000 toward each of the rewards.

"UCLA will not be deterred by the activities of extremists who seek to end the use of all animals in research," UCLA Acting Chancellor Norman Abrams said. "To do so would take away hope from millions of people who are suffering from diseases that could be prevented or cured by biomedical research.

"The extremists use threats, harassment and criminal activities to try to frighten our faculty, who are engaging in their research in a highly regulated environment in accordance with all local, state and federal laws," Abrams said. "We are working closely with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to put an end to the violent behavior and other criminal acts perpetrated by animal rights extremists and hope these rewards lead to their arrest and successful prosecution."

At today's news conference and in a news release, the FBI asked for the public's assistance in identifying suspects in the attempted firebombings. The incidents are being investigated by the Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.

Those with information are urged to contact the FBI at (310) 477-6565.

FBI press release: http://losangeles.fbi.gov/pressrel/2007/la072707.htm

Chancellor's statement of June 28, 2007: http://www.newsroom.ucla.edu/page.asp?RelNum=8066

-UCLA-

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