George Tiller's Alleged Murderer Threatens More Violence

Scott Roeder, the 51-year-old man accused of fatally shooting OB-GYN George Tiller last Sunday, has threatened more violence against abortion providers. In a conversation with the AP, the alleged murderer stated:

"I know there are many other similar events planned around the country as long as abortion remains legal," ... When asked by the AP what he meant and if he was referring to another shooting, he refused to elaborate further.

It’s not clear if Roeder was just mouthing off to get publicity or if the alleged killer was referring to specific events planned by possible accomplices. While it sounds like the former, this time around authorities are thankfully taking the threat seriously and upping protection of abortion facilities:

Justice Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a written statement Sunday that "we take this matter seriously, which is why the Attorney General ordered increased protection of appropriate people and facilities last week."

As many commentators pointed out following Tiller's murder, violent acts by anti-choice extremists are meant to intimidate women's health providers into abandoning abortion services. As Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, pointed out in a statement released following Tiller's death:

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.