From News Services
Friday, August 20, 1993; Page A17

WICHITA, KAN. -- George Tiller, the target of protests by abortion foes for several years, was shot in both arms last night by a woman observing picketers outside the Wichita clinic where he performs abortions.

The woman fled and was being sought by police. Tiller was treated at a hospital and was reported in good condition.

Denise Billings, a leader of Godarchy Productions, one of the most vocal and active antiabortion groups in Wichita, said the suspect had no connection with the local movement.

"She was standing between two of our sidewalk counselors when she pulled out a gun and started shooting," Billings said. "They said they'd never seen her before."

Tiller is the second U.S. abortionist to be shot this year. On March 10, David Gunn was killed by an abortion protester outside the Pensacola, Fla., clinic where he performed abortions.

Tiller's clinic was one of three targeted by Operation Rescue protesters two summers ago, and in 1986, a pipe bomb exploded outside the clinic, causing $100,000 in damage.