Robert Dear
Planned Parenthood Mass Shooting
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Colorado Springs, Colorado
TIME PERIOD
November 27, 2015
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
On November 27, 2015, a mass shooting occurred at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a police officer and two civilians, while nine others sustained injuries. The incident began around 11:38 a.m. MST and involved the perpetrator, Robert Lewis Dear Jr., who was armed with an SKS rifle and engaged in a standoff with law enforcement that lasted approximately five hours. Dear was arrested and charged with first-degree murder but was later deemed incompetent to stand trial due to mental health issues, leading to his indefinite confinement in a state mental hospital. In December 2019, federal charges were also filed against him, and the case has drawn significant attention from both anti-abortion and abortion-rights advocates.
Robert Lewis Dear Jr. is believed to have been motivated by Christian extremism and a strong opposition to abortion, which aligns with his anti-Planned Parenthood rhetoric during court appearances. Some speculate that his actions were part of a broader trend of violence against abortion providers fueled by extremist ideologies. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for copycat attacks in the wake of this incident, highlighting the ongoing threat to reproductive health facilities.
The Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood Shooting: A Chilling Account
A Day of Tragedy
On November 27, 2015, a seemingly ordinary day in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was shattered by a horrific act of violence. The Planned Parenthood clinic became the scene of a deadly mass shooting that claimed three lives and left nine others injured. Among the victims were a devoted police officer, Garrett Swasey, and two civilians, Ke'Arre M. Stewart and Jennifer Markovsky. The chaos unfolded as a man armed with an SKS rifle opened fire, driven by motives rooted in Christian extremism and opposition to abortion.
The Attack Unfolds
At approximately 11:38 a.m. MST, emergency calls began flooding in, reporting an active shooter at the clinic. Inside, the staff acted quickly, ushering patients away from the waiting area and securing the facility's doors. As law enforcement arrived on the scene, the suspect, later identified as Robert Lewis Dear Jr., fired at them, resulting in a deadly exchange that killed Officer Swasey and injured several others.
For five grueling hours, a tense standoff ensued. Eyewitnesses described a man with a "cold, stone face," relentlessly pursuing and shooting at individuals in the parking lot before retreating into the clinic. Amidst the chaos, nearby businesses went into lockdown, and the community held its breath.
The Standoff and Arrest
The turning point came when police SWAT teams made the bold decision to crash an armored vehicle into the clinic's lobby. This daring move allowed them to rescue those trapped inside and bring an end to the siege. At 4:52 p.m., Robert Lewis Dear Jr. surrendered peacefully and was promptly taken into custody. In the aftermath, authorities discovered propane tanks near Dear's vehicle, suggesting a chilling plan to trigger a larger explosion.
The Perpetrator: Robert Lewis Dear Jr.
Born on April 16, 1958, in Charleston, South Carolina, Robert Lewis Dear Jr.'s life was marked by instability and a series of troubling encounters with the law. His journey took him through various states, including South Carolina and Kentucky, before he settled in Colorado. Living in a trailer in Hartsel, Dear's history included arrests for carrying a long blade knife and illegal possession of a loaded gun, as well as a murky charge of criminal sexual conduct.
Dear's ex-wife, Barbara Mescher Michaux, painted a portrait of a man consumed by religious fanaticism and erratic behavior. She recalled his previous acts of vandalism against Planned Parenthood and his belief in doomsday prophecies. Dear's online presence revealed a fervent evangelical zeal, as he warned sinners of eternal damnation and sought companionship for drug-fueled escapades.
The Investigation Begins
In the days following the shooting, law enforcement faced the daunting task of piecing together Dear's motives. While the warrants related to the case were sealed, details gradually emerged. Dear's post-arrest interview was described as "rambling," with statements like "No more baby parts" linking him to the controversial Planned Parenthood videos. His words and actions indicated a politically motivated attack, rooted in anti-abortion and anti-government sentiments.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, joined local authorities in the investigation. President Barack Obama was briefed on the incident, and additional security measures were implemented at Planned Parenthood facilities nationwide.
Legal Proceedings: A Complex Journey
State Charges
On November 30, 2015, Robert Lewis Dear Jr. faced charges of first-degree murder, appearing in court via video from the El Paso County Jail. Held without bond, Dear's court appearances were marked by outbursts and declarations of guilt. He claimed to be a "warrior for the babies," vehemently opposing his public defenders and accusing them of colluding with Planned Parenthood.
Dear's mental state became a focal point, with court-ordered evaluations diagnosing him with a "delusional disorder, persecutory type." In May 2016, Judge Gilbert Anthony Martinez ruled Dear incompetent to stand trial, confining him indefinitely to a Colorado state mental hospital. As of October 2023, Dear remains confined, with no trial date set.
Federal Charges
In December 2019, federal authorities brought additional charges against Dear, including 65 counts under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) and three counts of using a firearm to murder. Despite Dear's insistence on his competence, federal prosecutors requested a new evaluation, leaving the legal process in a state of uncertainty.
A Nation Responds
The Colorado Springs shooting reverberated across the nation, sparking reactions from political leaders and advocacy groups. Vicki Cowart, president of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, denounced the attack as domestic terrorism. U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and President Barack Obama condemned the violence, highlighting the need for stricter gun control legislation.
The incident intensified the debate over abortion rights, with some calling it an act of terrorism, including Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. The FBI had previously warned of potential threats to Planned Parenthood facilities, underscoring the volatile climate surrounding reproductive health services.
Sources
For further details, visit the original article on Wikipedia.
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Planned Parenthood Shooting
A mass shooting occurs at a Planned Parenthood clinic, resulting in three deaths and nine injuries.
Standoff Ends
After a five-hour standoff, the shooter, Robert Lewis Dear Jr., surrenders to police.
First Degree Murder Charges
Robert Dear is charged with first-degree murder and ordered held without bond.
Court Appearance
Dear appears in court, declares himself guilty, and expresses anti-abortion sentiments.
Incompetent to Stand Trial
A judge rules that Dear is incompetent to stand trial due to a delusional disorder.
Continued Incompetence Ruling
The court rules that Dear remains incompetent to stand trial.
Federal Charges Filed
A federal grand jury indicts Dear on multiple counts related to the shooting.
Case Status
Dear remains confined with no trial date set, as the prosecution is on hold indefinitely.
On November 27, 2015, a mass shooting occurred at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a police officer and two civilians, while nine others sustained injuries. The incident began around 11:38 a.m. MST and involved the perpetrator, Robert Lewis Dear Jr., who was armed with an SKS rifle and engaged in a standoff with law enforcement that lasted approximately five hours. Dear was arrested and charged with first-degree murder but was later deemed incompetent to stand trial due to mental health issues, leading to his indefinite confinement in a state mental hospital. In December 2019, federal charges were also filed against him, and the case has drawn significant attention from both anti-abortion and abortion-rights advocates.
Robert Lewis Dear Jr. is believed to have been motivated by Christian extremism and a strong opposition to abortion, which aligns with his anti-Planned Parenthood rhetoric during court appearances. Some speculate that his actions were part of a broader trend of violence against abortion providers fueled by extremist ideologies. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for copycat attacks in the wake of this incident, highlighting the ongoing threat to reproductive health facilities.
The Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood Shooting: A Chilling Account
A Day of Tragedy
On November 27, 2015, a seemingly ordinary day in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was shattered by a horrific act of violence. The Planned Parenthood clinic became the scene of a deadly mass shooting that claimed three lives and left nine others injured. Among the victims were a devoted police officer, Garrett Swasey, and two civilians, Ke'Arre M. Stewart and Jennifer Markovsky. The chaos unfolded as a man armed with an SKS rifle opened fire, driven by motives rooted in Christian extremism and opposition to abortion.
The Attack Unfolds
At approximately 11:38 a.m. MST, emergency calls began flooding in, reporting an active shooter at the clinic. Inside, the staff acted quickly, ushering patients away from the waiting area and securing the facility's doors. As law enforcement arrived on the scene, the suspect, later identified as Robert Lewis Dear Jr., fired at them, resulting in a deadly exchange that killed Officer Swasey and injured several others.
For five grueling hours, a tense standoff ensued. Eyewitnesses described a man with a "cold, stone face," relentlessly pursuing and shooting at individuals in the parking lot before retreating into the clinic. Amidst the chaos, nearby businesses went into lockdown, and the community held its breath.
The Standoff and Arrest
The turning point came when police SWAT teams made the bold decision to crash an armored vehicle into the clinic's lobby. This daring move allowed them to rescue those trapped inside and bring an end to the siege. At 4:52 p.m., Robert Lewis Dear Jr. surrendered peacefully and was promptly taken into custody. In the aftermath, authorities discovered propane tanks near Dear's vehicle, suggesting a chilling plan to trigger a larger explosion.
The Perpetrator: Robert Lewis Dear Jr.
Born on April 16, 1958, in Charleston, South Carolina, Robert Lewis Dear Jr.'s life was marked by instability and a series of troubling encounters with the law. His journey took him through various states, including South Carolina and Kentucky, before he settled in Colorado. Living in a trailer in Hartsel, Dear's history included arrests for carrying a long blade knife and illegal possession of a loaded gun, as well as a murky charge of criminal sexual conduct.
Dear's ex-wife, Barbara Mescher Michaux, painted a portrait of a man consumed by religious fanaticism and erratic behavior. She recalled his previous acts of vandalism against Planned Parenthood and his belief in doomsday prophecies. Dear's online presence revealed a fervent evangelical zeal, as he warned sinners of eternal damnation and sought companionship for drug-fueled escapades.
The Investigation Begins
In the days following the shooting, law enforcement faced the daunting task of piecing together Dear's motives. While the warrants related to the case were sealed, details gradually emerged. Dear's post-arrest interview was described as "rambling," with statements like "No more baby parts" linking him to the controversial Planned Parenthood videos. His words and actions indicated a politically motivated attack, rooted in anti-abortion and anti-government sentiments.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, joined local authorities in the investigation. President Barack Obama was briefed on the incident, and additional security measures were implemented at Planned Parenthood facilities nationwide.
Legal Proceedings: A Complex Journey
State Charges
On November 30, 2015, Robert Lewis Dear Jr. faced charges of first-degree murder, appearing in court via video from the El Paso County Jail. Held without bond, Dear's court appearances were marked by outbursts and declarations of guilt. He claimed to be a "warrior for the babies," vehemently opposing his public defenders and accusing them of colluding with Planned Parenthood.
Dear's mental state became a focal point, with court-ordered evaluations diagnosing him with a "delusional disorder, persecutory type." In May 2016, Judge Gilbert Anthony Martinez ruled Dear incompetent to stand trial, confining him indefinitely to a Colorado state mental hospital. As of October 2023, Dear remains confined, with no trial date set.
Federal Charges
In December 2019, federal authorities brought additional charges against Dear, including 65 counts under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) and three counts of using a firearm to murder. Despite Dear's insistence on his competence, federal prosecutors requested a new evaluation, leaving the legal process in a state of uncertainty.
A Nation Responds
The Colorado Springs shooting reverberated across the nation, sparking reactions from political leaders and advocacy groups. Vicki Cowart, president of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, denounced the attack as domestic terrorism. U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and President Barack Obama condemned the violence, highlighting the need for stricter gun control legislation.
The incident intensified the debate over abortion rights, with some calling it an act of terrorism, including Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. The FBI had previously warned of potential threats to Planned Parenthood facilities, underscoring the volatile climate surrounding reproductive health services.
Sources
For further details, visit the original article on Wikipedia.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
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Planned Parenthood Shooting
A mass shooting occurs at a Planned Parenthood clinic, resulting in three deaths and nine injuries.
Standoff Ends
After a five-hour standoff, the shooter, Robert Lewis Dear Jr., surrenders to police.
First Degree Murder Charges
Robert Dear is charged with first-degree murder and ordered held without bond.
Court Appearance
Dear appears in court, declares himself guilty, and expresses anti-abortion sentiments.
Incompetent to Stand Trial
A judge rules that Dear is incompetent to stand trial due to a delusional disorder.
Continued Incompetence Ruling
The court rules that Dear remains incompetent to stand trial.
Federal Charges Filed
A federal grand jury indicts Dear on multiple counts related to the shooting.
Case Status
Dear remains confined with no trial date set, as the prosecution is on hold indefinitely.