[guest post by Dana]

Two updates regarding the shootout yesterday at a Planned Parenthood facility.

First, about the police officer killed during the shootout:

Garrett Swasey, 44, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs police officer who was shot and killed while responding to a shooting at a Planned Parenthood office, was described by his fellow church members and friends as a courageous man and loving father who drew strength and inspiration from his Christian faith.

He was married, with two young children, and had been on the campus police force for six years. He also spent seven years as a co-pastor at Hope Chapel in Colorado Springs.

Swasey’s co-pastor, Scott Dontanville, stated that although Swasey was against abortion, it would not have played a part in his decision to answer the call to help those whose lives were in danger:

“I don’t think that was on his mind,” he said. “He was there to save lives. That’s the kind of guy he is.”

Another fellow pastor of Swasey’s, Kurt Aichele remarked:

Swasey frequently responded to dangerous calls off campus. One of his bedrock beliefs was putting other people’s lives before his own.

“It’s not the first time that he’s been placed in harm’s way,” he said. “He’s an absolute man of courage.”

Secondly, President Obama made a statement about the shootout. As we have come to expect from him in the aftermath of these tragedies, he took advantage of the opportunity to push for more gun control. This less than 24 hours after the Officer Swasey’s death:

–Dana