November 27, 2015

A mass shooting occurs at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado, resulting in three deaths and nine injuries. The shooter is apprehended and charged with multiple counts of murder.

Colorado Springs, United States | Planned Parenthood

Watercolor painting based depiction of A mass shooting occurs at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado, resulting in three deaths and nine injuries. The shooter is apprehended and charged with multiple counts of murder. (2015)

Planned Parenthood Shooting in Colorado Springs - November 27, 2015

On November 27, 2015, a tragic mass shooting occurred at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This violent incident resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left nine others injured. The event drew national attention and sparked discussions on various issues, including gun control and reproductive rights.

The Incident

  • Location: The shooting took place at a Planned Parenthood clinic located in Colorado Springs, a city known for its conservative leanings and military presence.
  • Time: The attack began late in the morning and continued for several hours, creating a tense standoff with law enforcement.
  • Casualties: Three people were killed, including a police officer, and nine others sustained injuries. The victims included both civilians and law enforcement personnel.

The Shooter

  • Apprehension: The shooter, identified as Robert Lewis Dear Jr., was apprehended by police after a prolonged standoff. He surrendered to law enforcement officers after barricading himself inside the clinic.
  • Charges: Dear was charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder and other offenses related to the attack.

Motive and Aftermath

  • Motive: During the investigation, Dear expressed anti-abortion sentiments, which were believed to be a motivating factor behind the attack. His statements during and after the incident indicated a strong opposition to Planned Parenthood and its services.
  • Legal Proceedings: The legal proceedings were complex, with questions about Dear’s mental competency to stand trial. In 2016, he was declared incompetent to stand trial and was committed to a state mental hospital.

Broader Impact

  • National Reaction: The shooting intensified the national debate over gun control laws and the safety of reproductive health facilities. It also highlighted the risks faced by healthcare providers and patients at such clinics.
  • Security Measures: In response to the attack, Planned Parenthood and similar organizations reviewed and enhanced their security protocols to better protect staff and patients.

Historical Significance

The Colorado Springs shooting underscored the volatile intersection of gun violence, mental health issues, and the contentious debate over reproductive rights in the United States. It remains a poignant example of the challenges faced by organizations providing reproductive health services and the ongoing discussions about how to ensure their safety and security.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Explore related moments in history

Events connected by shared themes, locations, or historical context.

The Capitol Hill Massacre: March 25, 2006

2006 · Seattle, United States

The Capitol Hill massacre occurred when Kyle Aaron Huff opened fire at a rave afterparty in Seattle, Washington, killing six people and wounding two others before committing suicide.

Dayton, Ohio Mass Shooting - August 4, 2019

2019 · Dayton, United States

A mass shooting occurred in Dayton, Ohio, resulting in the deaths of nine people and injuring 27 others. The attack happened just hours after a similar mass shooting in El Paso, Texas.

Toronto Van Attack - April 23, 2018

2018 · Toronto, Canada

A van attack occurred in Toronto, Canada, resulting in the deaths of 10 people and injuries to 16 others. The attack was carried out by Alek Minassian.

U.S. Missile Strike on Shayrat Airbase - April 6, 2017

2017 · Shayrat, Syria

The United States launched 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles at the Shayrat Airbase in Syria in response to a chemical weapons attack on civilians in Khan Shaykhun, marking the first direct American assault on the Syrian government during the civil war.