Planned Parenthood under fire by both critics and arsonist

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP/FOX 11) - A Thousand Oaks Planned Parenthood was intentionally set on fire late Wednesday night, according to Ventura County Sheriff's Deputies. They say it comes about a month after windows at the Hillcrest Drive building were shattered.

On Wednesday night about 11:30, deputies day video surveillance caught a person in a hoodie approach the building on Hillcrest Drive.

They say the person smashed a rock through the first floor window and then threw flammable liquid inside, starting a fire.

Former patients of the clinic were outraged Thursday.

"What these people did isn't going to solve any of these problems. This is an example of the kind of people that are born when these services aren't available," says former Planned Parenthood patient Leah Green.

The fire was quickly put out by a sprinkler system, but there is still significant water damage inside.

It's a strike that comes at a time when Planned Parenthood has been under fire from critics.

Congess has been fighting over whether or not to fund Planned Parenthood after some say the organization sells fetal organs. It's a claim the organization strongly denies.

Just this week, Planned Parenthood's President testified in D.C. about the allegations.

Many are still divided on the organization's mission, but the vandalism is one thing both patients and protestors agree should never happen.

"We're here to promote life and we have to respect all life and in any state or condition, we do not promote these kinds of actions," said Patricio Gonzalez.

Planned Parenthood says their Thousand Oaks location sees about 7,000 patients each year. They're currently directing patients to Planned Parenthood in Ventura and hope to be back open by the end of the week.

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