Arsonist hurled object to ignite fire at Planned Parenthood

Officials with the organization couldn’t be immediately reached for comment Thursday about the arson investigation in Thousand Oaks, located 45 miles from downtown Los Angeles.

Investigators consider the blaze suspicious in nature.

A sprinkler system doused the flames, averting serious fire damage but covering the floor with several inches of water, forcing it to remain closed on Thursday.

An object was thrown through the window, and the scene smelled of gasoline, said Capt. Mike Lindbery, a spokesman for the Ventura County Fire Department.

This alleged attack comes in the midst of controversy regarding federal funding of the Planned Parenthood, and in the wake of a number of undercover videos that appeared to show Planned Parenthood officials talking about using fetal tissue for research.

The fire and sheriff’s departments are working together to investigate the incident, including looking at surveillance camera footage.

This Planned Parenthood facility in Thousand Oaks, Calif. was intentionally set on fire, police said.

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said in a statement that she was grateful no one was hurt in the fire, which she linked to current criticism.

“The toxic rhetoric directed at Planned Parenthood has unsafe consequences”, she said.

Planned Parenthood has been in recent news headlines, with USA congressional Republicans debating Planned Parenthood’s eligibility for federal funds.

Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards has been defending the orgainzation this week on Capitol Hill.