It was standing-room-only in Flathead District Court on Thursday as nearly 100 people attended the hearing of a man accused of massive vandalism at the All Families Healthcare clinic in Kalispell.

So packed was the courtroom that District Judge Ted Lympus dispensed with the usual roll call and explanation of rights (also explained to defendants by their attorneys), instead immediately calling the case of Montana v. Zachary Jordan Klundt.

Klundt, 24, is charged with felony counts of burglary, criminal mischief, theft and attempted burglary for allegedly breaking into the clinic sometime during the night of March 3. He is accused of extensively vandalizing the property and stealing several files and pieces of medical equipment.

Klundt pleaded not guilty to the charges, for which he could face up to 60 years in the Montana State Prison and a fine of up to $200,000 if convicted.

The support for clinic owner Susan Cahill was clearest after the brief hearing ended and nearly every person in the courtroom stood and began a mass exodus to the lobby. There they milled about, chatted and, one by one, approached Cahill for a hug or to share words of encouragement.

“I so appreciate all the support,” Cahill said after the hearing. “It means a huge amount to me.”

Among the local organizations whose members attended the hearing were Love Lives Here, the Abbie Shelter, Flathead County Crime Victim Advocates and the Crown of the Continent Choir, of which Cahill is a member.

An online fundraising campaign launched by Love Lives Here at www.indiegogo.com had raised almost $66,000 as of Thursday afternoon. At least $25,000 of that is earmarked for All Families Healthcare, where “everything was destroyed,” Cahill has said.

The clinic, located in a First Avenue East home, was a full family practice. Cahill said 10 percent of her business consisted of abortions.

The vandalism was first reported by Cahill’s receptionist, who showed up to work at 8:30 a.m. on March 4 and discovered someone had punched the glass out of the back door.  

Investigation of the break-in turned up extensive damage, from damaged art, furniture, medical instruments, medical supplies and file cabinets to a broken sewer line, boiler system, water heater and plumbing. A fire extinguisher also had been sprayed all over the place and iodine spread across the office.

Klundt was arrested the evening of March 4 allegedly attempting to break into another Kalispell business.

Cahill has said she is taking the summer off to determine the future of her practice.

Klundt is currently incarcerated in the Flathead County Detention Center, where his bond is set at $100,000.

His next hearing is set for July 16.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at [email protected].