WICHITA — An anti-abortion activist pleaded not guilty Tuesday to opening fire on late-term abortion provider George Tiller after a witness gave chilling testimony that he saw the alleged shooter point a gun at the Kansas doctor’s head before pulling the trigger.
Scott Roeder, 51, also is accused of threatening two ushers who tried to stop him during the May 31 shooting in the foyer of Tiller’s church.
Roeder, wearing a jacket and tie and shackled at his ankles, pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated-assault charges after witnesses described seeing him shoot Tiller and speed away. Roeder’s public defender entered the plea on Roeder’s behalf. The Kansas City, Mo., man did not speak during the hearing.
If convicted, Roeder is likely to face life in prison.
Prosecutors have said they will not pursue the death penalty, and Roeder would be eligible for parole after 25 years.
Tiller had been the target of relentless protests at his Wichita clinic, where he practiced as one of the nation’s few providers of late-term abortions. He was shot in both arms by an anti-abortion activist in 1993.
For weeks, Roeder has refused to discuss his alleged role in Tiller’s death, advocating in general terms for justifiable homicide — which he has repeatedly said is an acceptable action to protect “unborn children.” In rambling interviews since his arrest, Roeder has told The Associated Press he would be pleased if others took action to stop abortion by any means necessary.
“Violence is not wrong in all situations, so if it takes that — then if it is done righteously — then, if it’s done, it is OK,” Roeder has said.
Unlike his peers, Tiller embraced a high profile even after being wounded in 1993. His clinic, heavily fortified after a bombing in 1986, became the target of both peaceful and violent protests. In 1991, a 45-day “Summer of Mercy” campaign organized by Operation Rescue drew thousands of anti-abortion demonstrators to Wichita. More than 2,700 arrests resulted.
