Latest: Autopsy results for all three shooting victims released
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –
5:15 p.m. Monday 11/30/15
The 57-year-old suspect in a shooting at a Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood clinic went before a judge for the first time Monday.
Robert Dear was advised of the charges he is facing.
Dear is currently being held without bond on suspicion of first degree murder. He will be formally charged on December 9.
The Associated Press reported Saturday night that Dear made a comment about “no more baby parts” after his arrest. The AP report cited an anonymous official.
Police have not confirmed any possible motives for the shooting.
A UCCS Police Officer and two civilians died in the shooting
University of Colorado Police identified the officer who was killed as Garrett Swasey, 44.
Swasey’s funeral will be Friday at 1 p.m. at New Life Church. We do not yet know if it will be open to the public.
The civilian victims were identified by friends and family members as Jennifer Markovsky, 35, and Ke’Arre Stewart, 29.
Autopsy results for all three were released Monday evening. The Coroner’s Office says all three died from gunshot wounds. Their deaths have been ruled homicides.
An additional nine people were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds, five of them are officers. All nine are in good condition, police said.
Hospital telephone numbers have been established for family members to call and ask about their loved ones. They are follows:
Memorial Hospital – 719-365-5556
Penrose Hospital – 719-776-6637
The city of Colorado Springs has also established an information number for victims’ families. That number is 719-385-7135.
The shooting suspect surrendered to officers at 4:52 p.m. Friday.
The shooting began around 11:40 a.m. Friday. Police spent the afternoon rescuing dozens of hostages from the building, which is located in the 3400 block of Centennial Boulevard on the northwest side of the city.
Some victims fled to a nearby bank for help.
Police say the shooter placed several items outside of the Planned Parenthood clinic and inside of the Planned Parenthood clinic. They have not said specifically what those items were, but say they no longer pose a threat.
All of the nearby businesses and major roads that were closed have reopened. Market Center Point remains closed to Windfall.
The parking lot at the King Soopers shopping center is now open and police say people who left their cars there are free to pick them up.
Police say the crime scene will likely take about a week to process.
Because Friday’s shooting involved police officers, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office will investigate that part of this case.
Planned Parenthood Statement:
“Our top priority is the safety of our patients and staff. Our hearts go out to everyone involved in this tragic situation. Planned Parenthood has strong security measures in place, works closely with law enforcement agencies, and has a very strong safety record. We don’t yet know the full circumstances and motives behind this criminal action, and we don’t yet know if Planned Parenthood was in fact the target of this attack. We share the concerns of many Americans that extremists are creating a poisonous environment that feeds domestic terrorism in this country. We will never back away from providing care in a safe, supportive environment that millions of people rely on and trust.”
Statement from Governor John Hickenlooper:
“We hold the Colorado Springs community in our thoughts and prayers. The bravery and courage of local law enforcement officers have prevented a dire situation from being far worse, and we are all grateful. We are in contact with Mayor Suthers. All state Public Safety resources are at the ready, if and when needed.”
Statement from Congressman Doug Lamborn:
“As speculation swirls about a possible motive in today ‘s shooting, we must remember that senseless violence should never be used to settle differences of conscience or political opinion. Please join me in praying for the police officers and civilians who are the victims of this attack. I wish to extend a special thanks to our brave first responders and law enforcement officers for their heroic actions on this difficult day.”
Statement from Senator Michael Bennet:
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, Planned Parenthood, the Colorado Springs Police Department, and the City of Colorado Springs. We are grateful to the first responders who kept the situation from becoming worse and saved lives. Our office is in touch with local officials and has offered any assistance we can provide the community.”
Statement from Senator Cory Gardner:
“Jaime and I are deeply saddened by the events that unfolded in Colorado Springs earlier today. This senseless act of violence is truly tragic and our hearts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. The Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado Springs Fire Department, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, State Patrol, and federal law enforcement agencies bravely responded to the initial call for help, and quickly worked to contain and stabilize the situation. Our first responders displayed tremendous bravery, and I am grateful for their service and ongoing sacrifice to keep our local community safe.”
Statement from Focus on the Family President Jim Daly:
“Today’s violence at a Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood facility, just miles from our ministry headquarters, is tragic and deplorable. It is to be condemned. Our hearts break for the families of the three individuals killed, a University of Colorado police officer and two civilians. As a community, we share in their sorrow and in their grief. I ask that you please join me in praying for all victims and law enforcement personnel affected by this tragedy.”
Statement from Colorado Springs City Council:
“The Colorado Springs City Council is saddened to hear of the violence in our citytoday. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and we commend our first responders for their commitment and bravery in working to protect the public.”
Statement from State Senator Michael Merrifield:
“Once again, we are faced with an outrageous act of violence meant to terrorize the innocent. This was not only an attack on Planned Parenthood, nor on the City of Colorado Springs, but was an attack on all of us, on our freedoms, our shared humanity, and on the values we cherish as Americans. And those values cannot be tarnished by any act of terrorism or by the hateful motives of the person who perpetrated this horrendous crime today .”
“While it is not yet clear if this was a purposeful attack on Planned Parenthood, this much we do know- domestic terrorism can not and will not be tolerated or endured. I stand firmly with the staff and clients of Planned Parenthood, and will always champion women’s healthcare rights.”
“My heart is broken for the families and loved ones of the victims of today ‘s horrific act of violence. Over the past several weeks, Colorado Springs has suffered through two mass shootings. And as they have before, the people of this community will again come together to support one another in the wake of this tragedy.”
“We should all be grateful for the bravery and sacrifice of local law enforcement officers and first responders and the Planned Parenthood staff who showed tremendous courage over the course of this incident.”
“This is a heartbreaking and mindless act of violence, and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims.”
Statement from U.S. Figure Skating:
“The figure skating community mourns the tragic loss of Officer Garrett Swasey, a former U.S. junior ice dance champion. Garrett is remembered as a kind and selfless man who was well-liked by friends and competitors alike. He died in the line of duty serving the community of Colorado Springs, home to U.S. Figure Skating. While we are shocked and saddened by his loss, we are grateful for his service as an officer and his impact as a figure skater. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with his wife, Rachel, and children Elijah and Faith.”
