A small homemade bomb exploded outside of a Planned Parenthood office in Grand Chute, Wisconsin, on Sunday evening, local media reported. The explosive device, which was placed on a window sill, went off and started a small fire that triggered alarms and brought the local fire department to the scene. There were no reported injuries, and the building was closed at the time. Local police are investigating.
The office that was attacked is now “temporarily closed,” according to the welcome recording on its voicemail system. I’ve put in a request for comment to Stephanie Wilson, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood Wisconsin. I’ll update this post if she responds. I’ve also asked the local police department for more details and will update if I hear back.
UPDATE, 12:30 p.m. EST: Talking Points Memo reports that the FBI has joined the investigation.
UPDATE 2, 1:30 p.m. EST: Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin has issued a short statement via Twitter:
Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support and concern. Last night our Appleton center was vandalized w/ a homemade explosive device. No staff or patients were injured. The Appleton health center will reopen tomorrow. Our primary concern today—as always—is our patients, staff and volunteers.
Teri Huyck, the CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, issued a longer statement via the group’s website.
UPDATE 3, 4:00 p.m. EST: Talking Points Memo reports that the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, which is charged with investigating violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, is also probing the bombing incident.
