HotSpots (Security Briefings): July 2006

Alaska 07/28/06 A man was noticed on the sidewalk taking pictures of a Planned Parenthood health center. When approached by staff, the man said he was taking pictures of all abortion clinics.

Indiana 07/24/06 An educator for a Planned Parenthood affiliate received a voice mail from a man accusing her of having sex with his wife and threatening to kill her, adding that he knew where she lived. Police have been notified.

New York 07/20/06 A car parked in the parking lot of the building adjacent to a Planned Parenthood health center displayed a sunshade in the windshield featuring an allegedly aborted fetus and the words, "You think this hurt? Anesthetize both your patients." The CEO of the Planned Parenthood affiliate spoke to the owner of the building, who roped off that part of the parking lot so the sign could not be left within view of the Planned Parenthood parking lot and building.

California 07/17/06 At the recommendation of local police, a restraining order is being sought by a Planned Parenthood affiliate against the person who was identified as the man who trespassed on the health center parking lot and placed anti-choice brochures on cars.

Mississippi 07/15/06-07/22/06 Operation Save America's weeklong protest in Jackson, Misssissippi, with markedly poor attendance of fewer than 150, yielded at least 15 arrests for various infractions. The church that had agreed to host them threw them out midweek after they burned a copy of the Koran in the church parking lot. The targeted clinic remained open the entire week.

California 07/14/06 Police arrived at a Planned Parenthood health center advising that their dispatcher had received an anonymous call stating that there were four bombs planted at the health center. Patients and staff evacuated while a bomb-sniffing dog assessed the building and deemed it safe to return.

Ohio 07/14/06 Prayer circles continue on a weekly basis at a Planned Parenthood health center with "holy water" being thrown on the building. Police warned the protesters not to throw anything on the building.

Louisiana 07/13/06 A woman from Shreveport pleaded guilty to manufacturing and possessing a deadly incendiary device following an incident at a local clinic. The woman initially tried to claim that the device was not a firebomb, but rather a "memorial." She had a previous burglary conviction and has been sentenced to six years in prison on these state charges.

Minnesota 07/13/06 Staff of a Planned Parenthood health center discovered a suspicious blue backpack left unattended approximately 30 feet east of the facility's parking lot gate. Police disposed of the item without further incident.

West Virginia 07/12/06 A man was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of making a bomb threat to a clinic in Charleston. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

Florida 07/11/06 Pictures of aborted fetuses were posted on a pole outside a Planned Parenthood health center.

Idaho 07/11/06 Approximately 35 protesters, part of "The Cause and Bound for Life" tour, joined with local anti-choice zealots, to promote the "Awakening" of the "pro-life" movement. After spending about three hours at a Planned Parenthood health center, they marched through downtown Boise to the statehouse steps and the supreme court building, followed by an evening prayer vigil at city hall.

Idaho 07/11/06 Vandals scratched out the lettering on the window of a Planned Parenthood health center, turning the word "hours" into "hors," removing the listing of hours, and adding an obscenity.

Indiana 07/10/06 A possible gang tag, "LOC," was spray-painted on the back side of a Planned Parenthood health center.

Published: 07.31.06 | Updated: 07.31.06



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