‘Potential Bomb’ Removed From Champaign Women’s Clinic

A report of a “potential bomb” brought police to a clinic in Champaign Tuesday where abortions are performed. But the device was removed without mishap.

Champaign Police say bomb technicians safely removed a suspicious object Tuesday morning from what they called “a private organization” in the 2100 block of South Neil Street. Several news reports identified the location as the Women’s Health Practice.

Police say they were called after a staff member entering the building noticed a broken side window, and then saw the object on the inside window-sill. The Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, with bomb technicians from Champaign and University of Illinois Police concluded that the object was indeed suspicious. 

Authorities say that the object was safely removed, and further evidence was collected from the scene for investigation.

Champaign Police say they’re continuing to investigate, with help from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Police are also asking anyone with information on the incident to call Champaign Police Investigations Division at 217-403-6900, or to submit a tip anonymously to Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 (TIPS), online at www.373tips.com and through the P3 Tips mobile app.

The News-Gazette says police are looking into possible connections between the incident and frequent demonstrations at the Women’s Health Practice by anti-abortion protesters.