Dr. George Tiller, a 67-year-old late-term abortion doctor from Wichita, Kansas, was shot and killed this morning at the Reformation Lutheran Church in the 7600 block of E. 13th Street in Wichita. The gunman believed to be a white male in his 50s or 60s fled in a 1993 light blue Ford Taurus with a K-State vanity plate, license number 225 BAB.
The gunman threatened the two men and pointed the gun at them when they tried to apprehended him.
Tiller's family issued a statement through Wichita attorneys Dan Monnat and Lee Thompson.
"Today we mourn the loss of our husband, father and grandfather. Today's event is an unspeakable tragedy for all of us and for George's friends and patients.
"This is particularly heart wrenching because George was shot down in his house of worship, a place of peace."
Dr. George Tiller was the medical director of an abortion clinic in Wichita, Women's Health Care Services. Both of Dr. Tiller himself and his clinic are the targets of pro-life protesters.
Women's Health Care Services, was bombed in 1985, and Tiller was shot in both arms in 1993 by abortion protester Rachelle “Shelley” Shannon of Grants Pass, Oregon. Rachelle Shannon, is serving her jail time in FCI Waseca and her projected release date is November 7, 2018.
In 1991, the Summer of Mercy protests organized by anti-abortion group Operation Rescue drew thousands of anti-abortion activists for mass demonstrations and arrests.
Learning the news that Dr. Tiller was shot, Operation Rescue released a statement condemning the shooting and offered their prayers for his family.
"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."
Our heartfelt condolence to Dr. Tiller’s family and those who were affected by the loss of Dr. Tiller.
Links: Dr. George Tiller Biography @ DrTiller.com George Tiller Killed: Abortion Doctor Shot At Church @ HuffingtonPost George Tiller @ Wikipedia Suspect arrested in connection with slaying of abortion provider George Tiller @ Kansas City