Reaction to the shooting of George Tiller

George Tiller, noted late-term abortion provider, was shot outside his church Sunday morning. He was 67.

“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. …

Our loss is also a loss for the City of Wichita and women across America. George dedicated his life to providing women with high-quality heath care despite frequent threats and violence. We ask that he be remembered as a good husband, father and grandfather and a dedicated servant on behalf of the rights of women everywhere.”

— Tiller’s family, through his attorneys.

“Kansans for Life deplores the murder of Dr. George Tiller, and we wish to express our deep and sincere sympathy to his family and friends. Our organization has a board of directors, and a 35 year history of bringing citizens together to achieve thoughtful education and legislation on the life issues here in Kansas. We value life, completely deplore violence, and are shocked and very upset by what happened in Wichita today.”

— Mary Kay Culp, executive director of anti-abortion group Kansans for Life.

“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.”

— Troy Newman, president of anti-abortion group Operation Rescue.

“I’m shocked by this senseless tragedy and my thoughts are with Dr. Tiller’s family during this difficult time.”

— Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson.

“I am stunned by this lawless and violent act which must be condemned and should be met with the full force of law. We join in lifting prayer that God’s grace and presence rest with Dr. Tiller’s family and friends.”

— Former Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline, an abortion opponent.

“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.”

— wife Jeanne Tiller, said in a statement released through attorneys.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened at what has happened today. This is a devastating loss. Our thoughts right now are with his family and friends. It is abhorrent that once again, individuals who oppose the right to choose have used violence to try to advance their extreme anti-choice agenda.

— Vicki Saporta, president and CEO of the National Abortion Federation.

“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.”

— Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America.

“Women across the country have lost a champion today. The cold-blooded murder of Dr. George Tiller this morning in church is a stark reminder that women’s bodies are still a battleground, and health care professionals are on the front lines.”

— Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization of Women.

“Dr. Tiller’s murder is an enormous loss for our movement and for women and their families across America. He provided abortions to women late in their pregnancy and under some of the most difficult medical circumstances.”

— Peter B. Brownlie, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri.

“We therefore call upon the leaders of the anti-abortion movement to go beyond condemning today’s action to actually committing to control and measure their own irresponsible and incendiary rhetoric and actions. When these anti-abortions leaders stalk us, harass us and label physicians ‘murderers,’ they fan the flames to create a setting where abhorrent acts such as today’s can transpire.”

— Kelli Conlin, president of NARAL Pro-Choice New York

“Dr. Tiller was the epitome of high-quality medical care underscored by deep compassion for his patients.”

— Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.