Valley Vigil Remembers Controversial Abortion Doctor
PALM SPRINGS – The rally outside the former Welwood Murray Memorial Library was one of a few around the country to remember the doctor gunned down in a Kansas church last weekend.
Pro-choice advocates blame domestic terrorism on the death of Dr. George Tiller. They gathered at the Palm Springs Villagefest to remember the slain abortion doctor.
Angela Reed Smith knew Tiller and, like many, was shocked to hear of his murder.
“Dr. Tiller was a very kind and humble man, and he was very committed to his work,” said Smith.
Tiller performed late-term abortions and never backed down despite attacks in the past.
“What I am doing is legal. What I am doing is moral. What I’m doing is ethical and you’re not gonna run me out of town,” Tiller told ABC reporters in a 1991 interview.
His murder stoked flames on the already combustible abortion debate. Pro-life and pro-choice supporters shared words at the vigil but no violence. Some opposed to abortion have expressed sorrow for Tiller’s murder, like Eddie and Dorina Ness.
“I think people take things a little too far,” said Eddie Ness.
But Smith says others haven’t been as supportive.
“I think they feel it’s justified. I just think it’s tragic,” says Smith.
There’s no doubt the abortion debate will continue but there’s no telling if the violence will. Tiller’s alleged gunman, Scott P. Roeder, was charged with first degree murder. His preliminary hearing is set for June 16th.
