Officials Claim The Fire That Destroyed Knoxville Planned Parenthood Was Set On Purpose.
According to fire officials, a fire that damaged a Planned Parenthood health clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee, last month was deliberately set.
When the building burned down on Dec. 31, Planned Parenthood stated it was nearing the finish of a $2.2 million remodeling and expansion project.
In a statement, Ashley Coffield, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi, stated, "This is an abhorrent and tragic act of violence against Planned Parenthood, our patients, and our community."
The health clinic had already been targeted.
On the 48th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court judgement, which recognized the constitutional right to an abortion, someone fired a shotgun at its front doors on Jan. 22, 2021.
"We are devoted to our patients in East Tennessee and will not let this attack take away the important health care services on which they rely," Coffield added, "even if it will take time to rebuild."
The fire department stated Thursday that investigators are trying to figure out who is responsible and have requested for the public's help. For information that leads to prosecution, a $10,000 prize is being offered.