Seattle abortion activists rally together after Colorado Planned Parenthood shootings

SEATTLE, Wash.—Local abortion activists rallied on Saturday at Westlake Park. The organizer Stop Patriarchy said the rally was in response to Friday’s deadly shooting at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Authorities said the motive of the shooter was unknown, while the president of the Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains said the shooter was motivated by opposition to safe and legal abortion.

Some residents in Seattle felt the gunman’s actions were part of a growing assault on women’s rights.

“What we do know is there has been an escalating war on women and escalating attacks on abortion rights, both legally and then in situations like this, extralegal violence. And all of this creates an atmosphere in which women are being forced into motherhood through denial of this basic and essential thing, abortion rights. If women can’t control their own reproduction they can’t control the course of their lives,” said rally participant Andrea Strong.

The CEO of the Northwest chapter of Planned Parenthood released a statement Saturday night, saying in part, “We should not have to live in a world where accessing health care includes safe rooms and bullet-proof glass.”

Officials also added that their top priority is the safety of their patients and staff. Planned Parenthood said they were working with local law enforcement to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their health centers, patients and staff members.