Dr. 'Tiller the baby killer' gunned down at church

May 31, 5:17 PMBaltimore Republican ExaminerSean O'Donnell

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       (Mike Hutmacher/The Wichita Eagle/AP)

WICHITA, Kan. – Controversial abortion doctor George Tiller was shot and killed this morning as he attended religious services at Reformation Lutheran Church. The gunman, now in police custody, opened fire on Tiller as he was serving as an usher while Tiller’s wife, Jeanne, sang in the choir.

Operation Rescue, a pro-life organization in opposition of Dr. Tiller, issued a statement by its president Troy Newman denouncing the murder; “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.”

Dr. Tiller is infamous for performing late-term abortions for almost any reason, including “temporary depression.” The New York Times published a letter to the editor stating that Dr. Tiller should be “honored” for performing abortions and that he is a “hero.”

Dr. Tiller’s clinic was bombed in 1985 and he was shot in both arms in 1993 by abortion protesters.

Today’s shooting may stem from Dr. Tiller’s recent acquittal in March of 19 misdemeanor counts. He had been charged with performing late-term abortions in violation of Kansas law.

Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, described Dr. Tiller as a “fearless, passionate defender of women’s reproductive health and rights. It’s time that this nation stop demonizing these doctors, and start honoring them.”

For more information: Read what Marylanders have to say about Dr. Tiller's death in the Baltimore Sun's talk forum.  Also view the slideshow and see the headlines below.

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