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Police Arrest Suspect in Murder of Abortion Doc

Obama 'shocked and outraged' by killing

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted May 31, 2009 3:02 PM CDT

(Newser) – Police in Wichita, Kan., have arrested a 51-year-old male suspect in the murder of abortion doctor George Tiller, who was gunned down today as he walked into church, the Wichita Eagle reports. Wichita police Capt. Brent Allred did not name the suspect but did say other agencies, including the FBI, are assisting on the case. Tiller, 67, was famous nationwide as a target of pro-life demonstrations and attacks.

One of the few doctors in the country who provide late-term abortions, Tiller was killed around 10am at Wichita’s Reformation Lutheran Church, where he was a congregation member. He had also been shot and wounded in 1993. Demonstrators blockaded his clinic during 1991’s “Summer of Mercy,” and just this month vandals attacked his practice, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Tiller has also faced many lawsuits and complaints, including one still pending.

Richard Mahoney stops to pray during Operation Rescue's 77-hour Pray In May at the Women's Health Care Services, a clinic operated by George Tiller in Wichita, Kan., Thursday, May 17, 2007.
Richard Mahoney stops to pray during Operation Rescue's 77-hour "Pray In May" at the Women's Health Care Services, a clinic operated by George Tiller in Wichita, Kan., Thursday, May 17, 2007.   (AP Photo/Larry W. Smith)
Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, center, speaks during a press conference outside George Tiller's clinic in Wichita, Kan., Wednesday, April 18, 2007.
Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, center, speaks during a press conference outside George Tiller's clinic in Wichita, Kan., Wednesday, April 18, 2007.   (AP Photo/Larry W. Smith)
Dr. George Tiller speaks to a small group in a tent during a rally at his clinic in Wichita, Kan., in a Saturday, Jan. 19, 2002, file photo. Tiller was shot and killed today outside his church.
Dr. George Tiller speaks to a small group in a tent during a rally at his clinic in Wichita, Kan., in a Saturday, Jan. 19, 2002, file photo. Tiller was shot and killed today outside his church.   (AP Photo/Larry Smith, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 32 comments
ezrider
Jun 4, 2009 12:33 PM CDT
thanks newsrmandan
newsrmandan
Jun 3, 2009 6:42 AM CDT
As far as I know the only person involved in this case that went to church was Dr. Tiller. He is held with high regard for his vocation as abortion provider, but yet he was in church. I assume he had religious beliefs he probably believed in a god why is he not labeled a zealot or nutjob or worse by the religion haters? Also everyone here seems to be positing that there perspective is correct but based on what set of guiding principles? Those that evolution has given to us, Bhudha? Allah? If abortion is just a choice how is it distinguished from other choices. ie. I chose to hit you in the face or I chose to serve you cake. Why is one good and the other bad? If its just a personal choice a "freedom" why should anyone care if someone is raped. The argument could be made that my choice is what is at stake here my own personal freedom to choose. Please someone with a brain why are there good and bad choices. You rale against the christians for believing something but yet you believe in nothing at all and that is more cohesive in your mind? Then I guess "you" are the ultimate arbitore of good and evil, based on your own self determination. You are a god unto yourself. you are god. Am i wrong? <-- that rhetorical.
JonmarkP
Jun 2, 2009 6:12 AM CDT
Take a look: your Karma ran over your Dogma.

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