As everyone probably knows already. Dr. George Tiller, A Wichita, Kansas late-stage OB-GYN who performed late-stage abortions when the mother's life was at risk, was shot and killed this morning at his church.

Here's what his family--his wife, Jeanne, his four children and 10 grandchildren--issued as a statement:
"Today we mourn the loss of our husband, father and grandfather. Today's event is an unspeakable tragedy for all of us and for George's friends and patients. This is particularly heart wrenching because George was shot down in his house of worship, a place of peace. Our loss is also a loss for the city of Wichita and women across America. George dedicated his life to providing women with high-quality healthcare despite frequent threats and violence. We ask that he be remembered as a good husband, father and grandfather and a dedicated servant on behalf of the rights of women everywhere."

The LA times story also quotes Warren Hern, a Colorado physician and  friend of Tiller's who said he is now "the only doctor in the world" who performs very late-term abortions: "I think it's the inevitable consequence of more than 35 years of constant anti-abortion terrorism, harassment and violence. George is the fifth American doctor to be assassinated. I get messages from these people saying, 'Don't bother wearing a bulletproof vest, we're going for a head shot.' "

And Christina Page, in The Huffington Post, talks about the pattern of violence and murder against doctors who provide abortions, and says--chillingly: "

Today's assassination of Dr. George Tiller comes 5 months into the term of our second pro-choice president. For anyone who would like to believe that this is a statistical anomaly, a coincidence that doesn't portend anything, again, you are wrong.

During the entire Bush administration, from 2000-2008 there were no murders."