AG Holder orders increased Marshals Service protection in wake of shooting of abortion doctor

AG orders protection in wake of doctor slaying

WASHINGTON — Attorney General Eric Holder has ordered increased security for some abortion clinics and doctors in the wake of the slaying of Dr. George Tiller.

Jeff Carter, a spokesman for the U.S. Marshals Service, confirmed the decision “to increase security for a number of individuals and facilities” following Tiller’s slaying at a church service Sunday in Wichita, Kan.

Citing U.S. Marshals policy, Carter would not describe who was being protected, or what security measures were being taken.

There have been increasing incidents of threats against judges and other public figures in recent years. The Marshals provide security to federal judges, juries, and trial witnesses, but it is unusual for them to guard private citizens outside the federal court system.

Tiller last had protection from the U.S. Marshals in 2001, and other doctors received such protection at different points in the 1990s.

Such protection can be ordered by a judge, or the attorney general.