The cause of a New Years Eve fire that burned down a Knoxville Planned Parenthood was arson, according to the Knoxville Fire Department (KFD) and federal investigators.
Knoxville Fire Department investigators, along with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), conducted a thorough scene investigation of the December 31st 710 N. Cherry Street – Planned Parenthood fire and determined the fire to have been purposely set by an individual or individuals who, at this time, remain unidentified,” KFD announced Thursday on its Facebook page.
KFD asked the public for help in solving the crime.
“There is a reward of up to $10,000.00 for information that would lead to the prosecution of anyone involved in any criminal activity related to this fire,” it said. “All calls are confidential.”
A Planned Parenthood official held a press conference after the news was announced.
“We are heartbroken at the loss of our beautiful new building, but I’m here to tell you that we are committed to Knoxville and East Tennessee, and we are determined to rebuild. Knoxville wants Planned Parenthood, our patients need us to be here and we are going to be here,” Ashley Coffield, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi, said Thursday, speaking outside the destroyed property.
The building was in the middle of a more than $2 million renovation at the time of its destruction.
“While the investigation continues, Planned Parenthood now turns towards recovery and renewal, the organization said in a statement. “Our priority is to establish a safe operating site and reconvene services for our patients as soon as we possibly can. Although it will take time to rebuild, we are committed to our patients in East Tennessee and will not let this attack take away the essential health care services on which they rely.”
State Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-District 13) also reacted to the news.
“This is horrific and scary for those who work in women’s health clinics and for patients. This is domestic terrorism,” she said on Twitter.
MSNBC host Rachel Maddow described the arson as “an act of hate.”
KFD did not return a Friday comment request.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a contributor at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Planned Parenthood” by Knoxville Fire Department – TN.
