Right-Wing Terrorist Fails To Cow Planned Parenthood

This photo is the mug shot of right-wing terrorist Robert lewis Dear. On Friday, he attacked the Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado -- killing a police officer and two civilians, and wounding five more police officers and four civilians. He gave up after police moved in and surrounded him.

Police have not released information on the terrorists motive for the cowardly attack on innocent people, but it would surprise me a great deal if it was not intended to support the anti-choice movement by trying to terrify those supporting choice, and those who attend Planned Parenthood to receive medical treatment.

If that was his intent, and I don't doubt that it was, then he failed. Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Foundation of America, assured people that Planned Parenthood will continue to offer medical services to those who need it, and will not be deterred by the vicious acts of anti-choice terrorists.

Below is the message Cecile Richards sent to all supporters of Planned Parenthood: 

It is heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with the families of the three people whose lives were lost in yesterday's attack at the Planned Parenthood health center in Colorado Springs. We wish those who were injured a quick and complete recovery.

And, we are deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers who responded with courage to protect Planned Parenthood staff, patients, and community members.

I want every Planned Parenthood patient to know: your safety is our top priority. Planned Parenthood health centers have extensive security measures in place, work closely with law enforcement agencies, and have a very strong safety record.

Planned Parenthood health centers opened their doors again today, in Colorado and across the country. As always, patients were welcomed by extraordinary doctors, nurses, and staff. We will never, ever back away from providing safe, reliable care to the millions of patients who are counting on us to be there.

These doors stay open, no matter what.

It's still too soon to know what exactly motivated this attack. We share the concerns of many Americans that extremists are creating a poisonous environment that feeds domestic terrorism in this country. In the days and weeks ahead, we will continue to stand up for Planned Parenthood patients, staff, and the communities they serve — and it means so much to know that you stand with us, ready for whatever comes next.

Like you, I am full of sadness for the people who were harmed in Colorado. I am also full of admiration for what every member of Planned Parenthood's staff do every day — to ensure that people can get the health care they need, and to work toward a day when we no longer see this kind of violence.

At this moment, our hearts are broken, but our commitment is unchanged. Care, no matter what.

Thank you for standing with Planned Parenthood.

Sincerely, Cecile Richards, President Planned Parenthood Federation of America