Anti-abortion Activist Shot Dead As Teenagers Look On
September 11, 2009 No Comments
Mick // An anti-abortion activist, Jim Pouillon, was killed outside the Owosso High School in Owosso, Michigan at 7:20 this morning as buses pulled up to the property. Children were asked to remain on the school buses as police secured the area.
Shortly afterwards another man was shot at Fouss Gravel in Owosso Township. There are conflicting reports about whether the police believe the shootings to be related.
At 8:15 a suspect was taken into custody and there are reports that the weapon used was at the school a semi-automatic fired from a vehicle.
The 63 year old victim often picketed near the school with graphic posters depicting abortion and was a divisive figure in the community. He had been warned about protesting on school property.
The Argus Press reported that Gary Shepherd, an Owosso resident who lives near the high school, was in bed sleeping when he heard “four shots and tires squealing.”
“I just saw several people that I knew who were medical officials working on (Pouillon) and giving him CPR,” Shepherd said. “It’s a pretty sad day when somebody shoots someone over a political agenda that he had. He was always known as the ‘sign man.’ … This country is based on freedom of speech.”
It is believed that the killing was politically motivated. A press conference has been scheduled for 11:30 am, Michigan time.
