Who Are ‘Planned Parenthood?’
Planned Parenthood is an American non-profit women’s health clinic.
Planned Parenthood Rocky Mountain was the branch involved in yesterday’s events in Colorado Springs. The clinic is the leading sexual health provider serving Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Wyoming.
PP’s services include advice, birth control, STD guidance and abortions.
In early Autumn 2015, PP were accused by right-wing publications of ‘selling aborted foetuses to generate income’. However, they never went further than accusations.
FBI had warned of attacks on abortion clinics by pro-life extremists.
When did the Shooting Begin?
First reports of gunshots were reported by local police at approximately 11.30am (Colorado time).
Soon after, local media reported that an active gunman had fired on police and individuals in the area near the Planned Parenthood treatment centre.
Key Events
After a 5 hour stand-off between the gunman and police, local authorities stated that 12 people had been injured during the attack, including members of police.
2 civilians and 1 police officer was confirmed dead after injuries sustained on the scene.
CNN aired footage which appeared to show a number of clinic staff and patients being escorted safely by police from the building, which is situated on the northwest side of Colorado Springs, roughly 112 km south of Denver.
At approximately 4pm local time, police confirmed they had not yet been in contact with the gunman. However they were keen to intervene, as they understood the possibility that the suspect may have had an IED.
Not long after, the gunman allegedly ‘surrendered peacefully’ to police.
Nothing yet is known about the identity or motivation of the attacker.
“We don’t yet know the full circumstances and motives behind this criminal action, and we don’t yet know if Planned Parenthood was in fact the target of this attack.” Said Vicki Cowart, President and CEO of Plannedparenthood.org; “We share the concerns of many Americans that extremists are creating a poisonous environment that feeds domestic terrorism in this country.”
Similar Attack: Dr George Tiller
In May 2009, Dr George Tiller – a Kansas physician known for performing late-term abortions – was assassinated during a service he was providing at his church.
He was killed by Scott Roeder, who told the Associated Press that he had shot Tiller because “pre-born children’s lives were in imminent danger
.”
Evan O'Gorman 