Man crashes truck into New Jersey Planned Parenthood clinic
A Massachusetts man allegedly crashed a stolen bakery truck into a Planned Parenthood clinic in East Orange, New Jersey.
Three people were injured in the crash, including a pregnant woman. Two patients and one staff member were taken to the hospital and treated for minor injuries.
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Marckles Alcius, 31, pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated assault, theft and attempting to cause widespread injury or damage on Friday.
Authorities have not released a motive for the attack, and there is no information on how or if Alcius was connected to the clinic.
Outrage after the attack
While there are still questions swirling about the attack, Alcius’ actions have been widely condemned.
On Friday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy took to Twitter to express his outrage, writing, “Angered by this week’s truck attack against a @PPFA clinic in East Orange.”
He continued on to say, “At a time when women’s health care is under siege, we must protect and defend safe and affordable health care access for all.”
Planned Parenthood clinics have been targeted by anti-abortion activists around the country
It’s not yet clear if Alcius targeted the clinic for political reasons.
A time of transition
Cecile Richards, the president of Planned Parenthood, announced that she will retire this year after more than a decade leading the progressive health organization.
BuzzFeed reported that Richards had confided in several colleagues about her intentions to retire. At the time, Planned Parenthood issued a statement saying that “Cecile plans to discuss 2018 and the next steps for Planned Parenthood’s future at the upcoming board meeting.” That meeting is scheduled for next week.
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In the wake of numerous media outlets picking up BuzzFeed’s story, the 102-year-old organization released a video statement today on Twitter of Richards announcing her retirement.
“Twelve years ago, I joined Planned Parenthood to help fight for a world where every woman can live her best life. Together we’ve built a movement to protect and improve reproductive health and I could not be prouder. Today, I’m announcing that I will be stepping down in my position as President of Planned Parenthood this year,” says Richards in the clip.
In the two-minute video, Richards thanks the organizations 11 million supporters and highlighted the work that has provided tens of millions of women with the reproductive healthcare they need.
