REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO ARREST OF THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR ATTEMPTED TERRORIST ATTACK AT HOME OF UCLA PROFESSOR   Animal rights extremists have anonymously claimed responsibility. A reward of $110,000 is being offered for information leading to the identity of those responsible for an attempted attack currently under investigation by the Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force as an act of domestic terrorism.   On June 27, 2007, an animal rights website reported that the Animal Liberation Brigade had claimed responsibility for an improvised incendiary device left next to a vehicle at the residence of a UCLA researcher.   When the device was discovered, the victim contacted the Los Angeles Fire Department who responded with arson investigators and took custody of the evidence.  The Fire Department notified members of the Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force, since the device used had similar characteristics to those used by animal rights extremists and eco-terrorists, and since the residence belonged to a professor targeted by animal rights extremists. Although evidence indicating the device was lit when left at the vehicle, it failed to ignite.  It is the opinion of arson investigators that had the device functioned properly, the ensuing fire would have been significant and could have resulted in considerable damage to people or property. “The fact that these bombs did not ignite does not minimize the threat posed to researchers and employees of UCLA by animal rights extremists, some in the movement who advocate violence against humans in order to spare animal lives,” said J. Stephen Tidwell, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles.  “We can’t afford to wait until a bombing succeeds, and hope this considerable reward brings someone forward to help us solve this case, and others like it.”     "The UCLA Police Department and other campus agencies are working closely with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to put an end to the violent activity and other criminal behavior of animal rights extremists against some of UCLA's most accomplished researchers and their families," according to UCLA Chief of Police Karl Ross. "These activities are unacceptable methods to advance a cause. These rewards should send a strong signal of our commitment to ensure the safety of UCLA faculty and the entire campus community." Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Davy Aguilera stated, “ATF is dedicated to safeguarding the American public by enforcing Federal laws on arson and explosives. The extremists claiming responsibility for this device are just individual criminals who use arson and bombings to advance their individual causes. It’s just a matter of time before someone is killed.” Last summer, a similar device was left at a home in Bel Air, California, which investigators believe was intended to target a different UCLA professor.  In that incident, investigators believe, the assailant/s left the device at the wrong home which belonged to an elderly woman.  That device was also lit but failed to ignite.   A combined agency reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible in the Bel Air incident.     Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact the FBI or their local law enforcement agency.  A collective reward of $110,000 is being offered by the City of Los Angeles, UCLA, the FBI and the ATF, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person/s responsible for this crime.  The FBI can be reached 24 hours per day at 310 477-6565.  This investigation is being conducted by the FBI, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, the ATF, the UCLA Police Department, and other members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force.  CONTACT: FBI Media Relations:  (310) 996-3343, (310) 996-3804 or (310) 996-4402             Los Angeles Fire Department Media Relations:  (213) 485-5162             Los Angeles Police Department Media Relations:  (213) 485-3586             ATF Media Relations:  Susan Raichel:  (213) 925-4547             UCLA Media Relations:  Phil Hampton:  (310) 825-2585