WICHITA, Kan. – Just two days before Doctor George Tiller is laid to rest, one of ushers who witnessed the deadly shooting is speaking out.
Gary, who does not want his last name to be published, said he is telling his story so the community can begin to heal after Tiller’s funeral on Saturday.
Gary was standing right next to the 67-year old Tiller when he was shot at the Reformation Lutheran Church, located at 7601 E. 13th St. in Wichita, Kan. on Sunday, May 31.
He says the shock of it all still rings like a gunshot in his ears.
"That something like this could happen in our church is unbelievable, it's just unbelievable," said Gary.
Seconds after Tiller was shot and killed, Gary says he chased the alleged gunman, identified as Scott Roeder, 51.
"As the gentleman was fleeing the church I pursued after him and he made a threat to me. I just stopped. I just stopped, because I have to worry about my safety. I have to worry about my wife's. You know, he just killed somebody," said Gary.
Roeder was arrested about three hours after the shooting after someone noticed the suspected gunman’s car on Interstate 35 between the two main Gardner exits.
He is
charged with first degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault.
Prosecutors announced he will not face the death penality if convicted.
Gary said Roeder has attended the church before and left odd notes in the collection plate.
A
hearing to decide if Roeder will be eligible for bond was scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday.
Tiller was one of three doctors nationwide who performs late-term abortions at his clinic, Women’s Health Care Services.
A protestor shot Tiller in both arms in 1993.
On May 1, his clinic was vandalized. Vandals cut wires to outdoor lights and surveillance cameras. They also sliced a hole in the roof and plugged downspouts. Rain then poured into the clinic causing thousands of dollars of damage. Tiller reportedly asked the FBI to investigate the incident.
Roeder called the Associated Press Thursday and told a reporter he was being treated like a criminal even though he has not been convicted of the crime.
He said he disputes those who call him anti-government. He said he is anti-corrupt government.
Extra security will be on hand for Tiller’s funeral.
Funeral services are set for Saturday at 10 a.m. at College Hill United Methodist Church.
The family chose to have the funeral at the church, in part, because it holds about 800 people.
Back at the church, Gary says regardless of your views on abortion, the church should always be a place of sanctity and safety.
He said members of the church are now coming together to deal with the tragedy.
"We're a family. Our church is a family. And our family is tight. And, we'll get through this."
