Planned Parenthood increases security at local clinic

Planned Parenthood reopened its Colorado Springs clinic on Monday but its CEO noted there are some changes.

The clinic shut down following a shooting on Nov. 27. Ke’Arre Stewart, Jennifer Markovsky and Officer Garrett Swasey were killed in the attack.

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains President and CEO Vicki Cowart said the attack has left emotional scars on clinic employees, but they are determined to reopen for their patients. The clinic partially reopened on Tuesday. There is still structural damage to the front of the building that is being repaired.

Cowart said staff that was inside the clinic during the shooting are going through counseling. Some have yet to decide if they will return to work.

Cowart said there are no plans to add metal detectors at the entrances. She said she does not want people coming in to receive health care to feel like they are entering a fortress. However, both Cowart and Colorado Springs police said security has increased at the clinic. They would not talk specifics about what has been done.

A committee is deciding how to honor the three victims. The plan is to place some sort of memorial inside.

Accused shooter Robert Dear will be in court next week. He’s currently undergoing mental health evaluations in Pueblo.