Justice Dept. Launches Tiller Investigation

While the political debate over the shooting of Dr. George Tiller focused on the speech of abortion opponents, the Department of Justice is launching an investigation into whether anyone else was involved with the shooting, investigating for potential violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinics Entrances Act--the law that prohibits threats of force or physical obstruction of reproductive health providers and seekers; threats, intimidation, injury, or interference with people exercising religious freedom at places of worship; and damaging or destroying clinic property.

"The Department of Justice will work tirelessly to determine the full involvement of any and all actors in this horrible crime, and to ensure that anyone who played a role in the offense is prosecuted to the fullest extent of federal law," Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Loretta King said today in a news release.