Monday June 29, 2009
Operation Rescue Office Security System Attacked - Group Complains of Police Apathy
By Kathleen Gilbert
WICHITA, Kansas, June 29, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - An unidentified man has been caught on video attacking Operation Rescue's headquarters Friday afternoon. The man allegedly disabled one of the building's security cameras and attempted to assault Operation Rescue president Troy Newman before fleeing the scene. (Watch security camera footage of the attack here)
Operation Rescue reports that Newman heard a suspicious noise outside his office and observed the suspect through the security cameras attempting to gain access to the roof. Newman rushed outside and confronted the man, who then allegedly tried to punch Newman. When that failed, the suspect flung his bicycle at Newman, then fled.
One security camera was stolen, causing an estimated $1,000 in damage. No one was hurt.
Police were called and a report was filed, but the suspect is still at large.
Ironically, at the time of the attack Newman was on the telephone giving an interview to a reporter from the Washington Times about the increase in threats against Operation Rescue staff members in the wake of the murder of late-term abortionist George Tiller.
"In light of the recent events, the targeting of our security system is troubling. We can't help but think that if this attack happened to an abortion clinic, there would be federal marshals patrolling and investigating," said Newman.
"The police seemed apathetic."
Newman said he was "just thankful that no one was injured and that the attacker was interrupted before he could do more damage."
"We will be increasing our security precautions as a result of this incident. We have a very dedicated staff, and no amount of intimidation will deter us from our work."
Although Operation Rescue and other pro-life groups condemned the murder of Tiller in May, several pro-life advocates, including Newman, have reported an uptick in threats from individuals angered by Tiller's death.
Operation Rescue has published a sampling of the many audio and email threats received since the Tiller murder (warning: contains very offensive language).
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Pro-life Leaders Face Death Threats, Require Protection from Abortion Rights Radicals
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jun/09061715.html