George Tiller
George Tiller a Kansas doctor was shot and killed on Sunday as he entered his church congregation.
Media reports said the suspected killer fled the scene in a blue Taurus. Police described him as a white male in his 50s or 60s.
Tiller has been one of the few U.S. physicians who performed late-term abortionions, making him a target of anti-abortion protesters. He testified that he and his family have suffered years of harassment and threats. His clinic was the site of protests in 1991 which were marked by mass demonstration and arrests. The clinic has been bombed in 1985, and an abortion opponent shot him in both arms in 1993.
Tiller’s clinic also provided group and individual counseling, as well as chaplain and funeral services for people who were grieving.
The anti-abortion group Operation Rescue, which runs a “Tiller Watch” feature on its website, released a statement condemning the shooting. “We are shocked at this morning’s disturbing news that Mr. Tiller was gunned down. Operation Rescue has worked for years through peaceful, legal means, and through the proper channels to see him brought to justice. We denounce vigilantism and the cowardly act that took place this morning. We pray for Mr. Tiller’s family that they will find comfort and healing that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”
Tiller had been in the news in recent years, in part because of an investigation begun by former Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline, an abortion opponent.
Tiller was accused of getting second opinions from a doctor who was an employee of his, not independent as law requires, but in March was acquitted of all 19 misdemeanor counts against him.
Abortion opponents also questioned then-Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ ties to Tiller before the Senate confirmed her this year as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary. Tiller donated thousands of dollars to Sebelius over the years.
