Operation Rescue Pro-Life Group Condemns Scott Roeder Abortion Violence Quip

State   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Jun 8, 2009   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

Operation Rescue Pro-Life Group Condemns Scott Roeder Abortion Violence Quip

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
June 8
, 2009

Wichita, KS (LifeNews.com) — Operation Rescue, the main pro-life group that has been under heavy attack since vigilante militia extremist Scott Roeder allegedly killed late-term abortion practitioner George Tiller, is condemning Roeder’s recent comments in an interview saying more abortion-related violence is forthcoming.

As LifeNews.com reported, Roeder told the Associated Press, "I know there are many other similar events planned around the country as long as abortion remains legal."

Roeder’s comments made it appear as if he has connections with pro-life groups even though he is not affiliated with any pro-life groups and though his actions have been repudiated by every pro-life organization.

Today, Operation Rescue attorney Brian Chavez-Ochoa said Roeder’s claims are ludicrous.

"Roeder no more speaks for the pro-life movement he does for the Obama Administration," Chavez-Ochoa told LifeNews.com.

"Roeder’s alleged statement that more violence is to come as and to all abortion providers across this nation is calculated to create a spirit of fear that clearly stands contrary to the strongly held beliefs of the pro-life movement that all life is precious, both in and out of the womb," he said.

The pro-life attorney said Roeder, if guilty, "acted as a vigilante when he heinously and, in an act of cowardice, took the life of George Tiller."

"Roeder continues in his vigilantism when he proffered his despicable statement of continuing acts of violence, a product he has conjured up within the confines of his mental illness and perpetuated through the sensationalism of the media," Chavez-Ochoa added.

He said the pro-life group is concerned that the Obama administration will use the Tiller shooting "as a ruse to conduct a witch-hunt against the pro-life movement."

"Operation Rescue will continue to help lead the fight against abortion through peaceful and legal means," he added. "While the roots of division run deep within this country about abortion we pray that the day has come that both sides can state with an open and truthful heart that regardless of our differences we are all united in the fight against violence as a means of resolving this difficult issue."

Following the Tiller shooting, pro-abortion President Barack Obama directed the U.S. Marshals Service to offer protection to abortion practitioners.

In its press statement sent to LifeNews.com, the Justice Department said it had "moved expeditiously to implement the Attorney General’s directive with the assistance of" abortion businesses.

The Obama administration also announced that it recently convened a meeting of the National Task Force on Violence Against Reproductive Health Care Providers, an interagency law enforcement working group within the Justice Department.

This task force was established more than a decade ago to commit resources to the reduction of threats and violence against abortion centers.

Hundreds of pro-life groups have condemned the Tiller shooting but that hasn’t stopped abortion advocates from blaming pro-life advocates for his death.

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