After arson at Planned Parenthood clinic, dozens attend rally in Peoria

Andy Kravetz, Journal Star
·2 min read
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People stand outside the Planned Parenthood clinic on Sunday, Jan. 22,2023, during a rally to show support after someone set part of the building on fire last week.
People stand outside the Planned Parenthood clinic on Sunday, Jan. 22,2023, during a rally to show support after someone set part of the building on fire last week.

PEORIA — Dozens of people gathered on a cold, dreary Sunday at the Planned Parenthood clinic in the wake of a recent arson at the facility on North Knoxville Avenue.

Chanting "One, Two, Three, Four, protect the clinic's doors" and "Abortion is health care," supporters waved signs to passing vehicles prompting many to honk their horns on the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark Roe v. Wade ruling.

Allison Schieferle Unlenbruck, of Morton, attended the afternoon rally with her 6-year-old daughter, one of several children in attendance, to show support for the organization and the health services it provides. The Morton woman said she wanted her children to know they are in charge of their own bodies and can make decisions about them as they believe.

More:Peoria police seek help in finding vehicle associated with Planned Parenthood arson

Firefighters were called to 2709 N. Knoxville Ave. shortly after 11:30 p.m. Sunday on a report of a fire. Within minutes, the fire was extinguished. No one was inside the building at the time.

While officials have released little information, the Planned Parenthood website states that "an incendiary device was hurled into the Peoria Health Center, which caused a substantial fire and damage to the building,"

Kelley Theisen, a representative of Planned Parenthood, said the damage was estimated at $1 million and she believed the building would be shuttered for several months. She said it felt "wonderful" to see people come and support the organization after the fire made national news.

"We have been very overwhelmed with the outpouring of support here in Peoria as well as throughout the state," she said.

A woman holds a sign outside the Planned Parenthood clinic on Sunday, Jan. 22,2023, during a rally to show support after someone set part of the building on fire last week. So far, no one has been arrested or charged in connection with the fire.
A woman holds a sign outside the Planned Parenthood clinic on Sunday, Jan. 22,2023, during a rally to show support after someone set part of the building on fire last week. So far, no one has been arrested or charged in connection with the fire.

Noah Palm, one of the organizers, said there was no real group behind the rally. Rather, a few concerned citizens put together a Facebook group and planned the rally.

"I'm out here because I want people to know that when they attack our institutions that are made to protect our rights, we want to show we will not stand for that," he said. "They offer a number of services in addition to abortion and we want to show the community that we support them."

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: After arson, dozens show up for Planned Parenthood rally in Peoria