A Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado that was the site of a deadly shooting last November will partially reopen on Feb. 15, the AP/Sacramento Bee reports (AP/Sacramento Bee, 2/8).
Background
In November 2015, a man opened fire at the clinic, killing three individuals and injuring nine others. One police officer and two civilians were killed during the assault. An additional five police officers and four civilians were injured.
Since surrendering, the suspect, Robert Dear, has been held without bond. Dear faces 179 felony counts, including eight charges of first-degree murder. A conviction in Colorado for first-degree murder can result in the death penalty or life in prison. The district attorney will have 63 days to decide whether to seek the death penalty after Dear enters a formal plea, which he has yet to do.
However, during a hearing last December, Dear said he committed the shooting and made several antiabortion-rights statements. Dear also reportedly made antiabortion-rights statements to law enforcement officials immediately following his arrest.
On Dec. 23, 2015, Judge Gilbert Martinez ordered a mental competency examination after Dear said he wanted to represent himself and that he did not trust his public defender. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine whether Dear understands the case and is mentally able to waive his right to an attorney and represent himself (Women's Health Policy Report, 1/4).
Reopening details
When the clinic reopens next week, it will provide all the sexual and reproductive health services it offered prior to the shooting, according to the AP/Bee. However, parts of the building will remain closed for construction until all repairs are completed. The clinic will only be able to treat a limited number of patients for several months.
Vicki Cowart, president of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, on Monday said the clinic would reopen fully as soon as possible and that it would have "robust security" (AP/Sacramento Bee, 2/8).
