A violent end

Kansas abortionist George Tiller has been notorious for years for performing partial-birth abortions, a grisly procedure that literally kills babies in the process of being born. One of only three abortionists in America openly willing to perform those abortions, he’s generated high profile controversy, protests and legal action. He’s been the subject of frequent news stories.

The final, shocking one has come on an otherwise quiet Sunday morning.

Wichita police said that abortion provider Dr. George Tiller has been shot and killed at his Wichita church.

It was apparently a lone gunman, still at large as of this writing. In the early aftermath, there are few details.

But this much must be said:

[The pro-life] group Operation Rescue, which has been critical of 67-year-old Tiller, issued the following statement on its Web site Sunday:

“We are shocked at this morning’s disturbing news that Mr. Tiller was gunned down. Operation Rescue has worked for years through peaceful, legal means, and through the proper channels to see him brought to justice. We denounce vigilantism and the cowardly act that took place this morning. We pray for Mr. Tiller’s family that they will find comfort and healing that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”