Dr. Tiller Murdered

This morning Dr. George Tiller of Wichita, Kansas was murdered in the foyer of his church. Tiller's widow, who was singing in the choir at the time of the shooting, and her family have issued a statement, saying that the act was "an unspeakable tragedy. This is particularly heart-wrenching because George was shot down in his house of worship, a place of peace." The family added that its loss "is also a loss for the city of Wichita and women across America. George dedicated his life to providing women with high-quality health care despite frequent threats and violence."

The 67-year-old physician had been the center of much controversy for several decades due to him being one of few surgeons in the U.S. who performed late-term abortions. His clinic was one of only three in the nation that offered such services. Over the years, Tiller had been the target of threats and attacks. In 1985, his clinic was bombed and in 1993 he was shot by a protester in both arms. In recent years, Dr. Tiller had asked federal authorities to step up investigations into increasing vandalism of and threats against the clinic.

Pro-life groups have issued statements denouncing the murder. Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue stated: "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."

Nancy Keenan, president of abortion-rights group NARAL, issued a statement praising Tiller's commitment. "Dr. Tiller's murder will send a chill down the spines of the brave and courageous providers and other professionals who are part of reproductive-health centers that serve women across this country. We want them to know that they have our support as they move forward in providing these essential services in the aftermath of the shocking news from Wichita."

Here's more about Tiller's turbulent past, courtesy of FoxNews (emphasis added):

At a recent trial, he told jurors that he and his family have suffered years of harassment and threats and that he knew he was a target of anti-abortion protesters.

Federal marshals protected Tiller during the 1991 Summer of Mercy protests, and he was protected again between 1994 and 1998 after another abortion provider was assassinated and federal authorities reported finding Tiller's name on an assassination list.

Tiller remained prominent in the news, in part because of an investigation begun by former Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline, an abortion opponent.

Prosecutors had alleged that Tiller had gotten second opinions from a doctor who was essentially an employee of his, not independent as state law requires. A jury in March acquitted Tiller of all 19 misdemeanor counts.

"I am stunned by this lawless and violent act, which must be condemned and should be met with the full force of law," Kline said in a written statement. "We join in lifting prayer that God's grace and presence rest with Dr. Tiller's family and friends."

A suspect was arrested three hours later and 170 miles away in Kansas City.

The issue of abortion has always been difficult for me. I must, however, fall on the side of protecting innocent life, which makes me a pro-lifer. I firmly believe that anyone who considers himself or herself pro-life must be pro-life in all aspects. Anyone that can somehow rationalize this heinous act doesn't grasp what "pro-life" means -- and doesn't have both oars in the water.

I wonder how this murder will be played out in the media over the next several days ... and in the ongoing abortion battle between pro-life and pro-choice camps.

A favorite blogger, Donald Douglas of American Power has a great post to follow, including how some members of the MSM are reporting this along with several updates on the story as it develops.