Operation Rescue Updates:

Operation Rescue issues the following three statements on yesterday's breaking news stories concerning the violent attack on New Mexico pro-life activists, the anthrax scare at our National Headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, and on the appointment of a pro-life attorney to the Kansas Board of Healing Arts. ____________________ Albuquerque Police Apprehend, Charge Woman in Violent Attack Pro-life Activists July 7, 2011   Albuquerque, NM - An Albuquerque woman who violently attacked peaceful pro-life activists outside a late-tern abortion clinic on Tuesday has been apprehended by Albuquerque Police and charged with one count of battery and one count of aggravated battery. Police have not yet released her name.   Click here to watch video of the attack that left one pro-life activist bleeding.    "I received a call from the Assistant Police Chief, and was informed as to the status of the investigation," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "After that discussion, I was impressed at the professionalism of the Albuquerque Police and their commitment to stop violence like this in their community. We have been guaranteed that the woman will face a judge and be held accountable for her actions. We really appreciate the hard work they are doing to keep everyone safe."   Activist Bud Shaver, a former Operation Rescue intern who is now with Project Defending Life emphasized that the pro- lifers did nothing to provoke the woman's attack. She was driving by, noticed the protest, and parked her car so she could have words with them. What started as a dialogue quickly turned ugly.   "She just started escalating into throwing punches with her fist and she had keys in her hands," Shaver said. "There was nothing we could do, the only thing we could do was withstand the blows."   The police say that they fielded a large amount of calls and e-mails concerning this incident.   "We want to thank everyone who called and wrote to the police. Your efforts really made an impression, and today, everyone is more aware of the violence suffered by pro-life activists. The police diligently worked to apprehend the perpetrator and she is being charged. Now we encourage everyone to call and thank the police department for being so attentive to our concerns, and pray that this obviously troubled woman gets the help she needs."   To thank the police please call (505) 768-2200 or E-Mail rschultz@cabq.gov    "Bud and Tara Shaver, and their beautiful daughter Tirzah, are doing some amazing work in Albuquerque. In addition to driving Operation Rescue's Truth Truck, they just opened up a new crisis pregnancy center and are leading efforts to save lives from abortion in that community. We urge all who can to consider sending them a financial gift to help them in this important work," said Newman.   You may send your gift to the Shavers by making a check payable to Project Defending Life and writing "The Shavers" on the check and mailing it to the following address: Project Defending Life 13101 Fruit Ave., NE Albuquerque, NM 87123 Suspicious Letter Caused Anthrax Scare At Operation Rescue's Office Wichita KS - Yesterday, a worker at the crisis pregnancy center next door to our National Headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, received a suspicious letter from France containing only a white powdery substance. The worker double-bagged the letter in zip-lock bags and brought it to our office for our help.   Troy Newman immediately called the FBI, who mobilized all the agencies that were needed to respond to such an emergency. Our parking lot was filled with FBI agents, Wichita Police officers and Fire fighters, and hazmat personnel. Even McConnell Air Force base was involved.   The area was surrounded by crime scene tape secured. The crisis pregnancy center was evacuated and we were locked down in our office.   After hours of testing, it was determined that the letter contained 90% baking powder and 10% an unknown substance. It has been taken to a laboratory in Topeka for further testing. Authorities continue to investigate. Making even a fake threat like this is a serious crime punishable with jail time and a $250,000 fine.   "Someone obviously was trying to scare and intimidate us, but attacks like this only strengthen our resolve to keep working to protect all life," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman.   "We really appreciate all the men and women from Local, State and Federal agencies who responded to our call and went to exceptional lengths to make sure we were all safe. Everyone was very courteous and professional and made a difficult time for us as easy as possible. We are thankful everyone is okay and no one was hurt," said Newman. Statement on Appointment of Rick Macias to the Kansas Board of Healing Arts Topeka, KS - Wichita attorney Rick Macias has been appointed by Gov. Sam Brownback to serve on the Kansas Board of Healing Arts, and pro-abortion groups are livid.   "Pro-abortion groups are having a fit over the appointment of this attorney because he is openly pro-life, but they are making a mountain out of a mole hill. Operation Rescue has had minimal professional contact with Mr. Macias. He is an excellent attorney with a high reputation for integrity and honesty. He will be a great addition to the Board of healing Arts, which is undergoing reform after being wracked with scandal and corruption under the pro-abortion Sebelius Administration," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman.   "The old Board was filled with pro-abortion cronies who worked to protect abortionists from accountability under the law. The new Board has undergone a major house cleaning and is beginning to be a functional agency again."   Operation Rescue contends that the appointment of Macias is a huge improvement over Sebelius appointees.   In an unbelievable move that reflected the poorest of judgment, former Gov. Sebelius, who now serves as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, once appointed disgraced abortionist Howard Ellis to serve on the Board of Healing Arts even though he had recently surrendered his Missouri medical license in order to avoid discipline. It was not long before Ellis resigned under pressure, and two months later was charged by the Board with attempting to persuade a physician to falsify records.   "Brownback's appointments have shown infinitely better judgment than his predecessors. Elections have consequences. The abortion fanatics who want to protect child-killing at any cost just need to deal with it," said Newman.

________________________________ About Operation Rescue® Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation and has become a strong voice for the pro-life movement in America. Operation Rescue is now headquartered in a former abortion clinic that it bought and closed in 2006.  From there, Operation Rescue launches its innovative new strategies across the nation, exposing and closing abortion clinics through peaceful, legal means. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to stop abortion and ultimately restore legal personhood to the pre-born in obedience to biblical mandates. Click here to support Operation Rescue.   Click here to make a secure donation online. ________________________________ Web site: www.operationrescue.org  E-mail: info@operationrescue.org