Arson has not been ruled out as the cause of a pre-dawn fire that destroyed the Delta Women’s Clinic in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The fire began at 5:20 am on Sunday, July 15, and caused an estimated $250,000 in damage. No one was injured.
Federal, state and local authorities, including ATF agents, State Fire Marshal employees and Fire Department investigators, are now investigating the incident. Witnesses claim no one suspicious was seen near the clinic at the time of the fire. Protesters who regularly demonstrate at the clinic have reportedly maintained their usual routine of prayer in the past few weeks.
Delta Women’s Clinic has been a target of anti-choice extremists for several years. The clinic was firebombed in 1985, causing $20,000 damage.
We urge all clinic staff members to be aware of the threat of arson and exercise safety precautions. Report any violent or harassing act to law enforcement officials immediately.
Trained staff members at the National Clinic Access Project are available 24-hours a day to provide assistance, resources, or to answer questions via our toll-free women’s health clinic hotline:1-877-BE-SAFE-8.
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