Police Attack Pro-Lifers in West Hartford Connecticut
By Editorial Staff
Published October 1989
In a scene out of hell, West Hartford police cruelly and unceasingly brutalized hundreds of Rescuers at the Summit Women’s abortion mill in West Hartford on Saturday, June 17, l989. The abortuary is located in a shopping mall with a large parking lot. Over 500 prayer supporters had gathered outside, while 281 others entered the third-floor procedure rooms where the killing is done. Those present were from all over the Northeast corridor: New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania.
At approximately 11:00 a.m., police – wearing no badges or name tags – threatened to arrest picketers if they did not move to the sidewalk on the street side of the parking lot. They used billy clubs to prod the protestors, arresting a 68-year-old mother of 12 who stumbled, was knocked to the ground and handcuffed. The same was done to her 70-year-old husband when he objected; and then to a photographer whose film the police deliberately exposed after he was arrested for taking pictures.
This is when police first employed strappado – that was to become the standard arrest technique used throughout the day. Strappado is an ancient form of torture where the victim’s hands are cuffed (in this case, plastic cuffs) behind the back. Next, billy clubs are inserted in each arm and then jerked up so that the victim’s full body weight is either dangling or left to drag.
Since the public was driven from the mall, Rescue supporters went to the police station to check on the safety of those arrested. Police brutality – which included forced strip searches – had been visited on the Rescuers at an April 1st Rescue in West Hartford and the fear of more savagery was in the air – for good reason.
At the police station, one by one, men and women, whether young or old were dragged off the bus head first and dropped face down on the pavement – except for those who had already been subject to too much pain. Most everyone else was completely limp, totally peaceful. They winced, many with faces contorted in agony; some moaning, some screaming. As their bodies swung on the sticks, some were kneed or kicked by police.
Retired 72-year-old Bishop George Lynch was dragged off the bus, back first. His arms were then bent upward and he was dragged on the seat of his pants for several yards with the police twisting his arms and wrists. Finally, the pain was too great and he was forced to walk the few remaining yards into the police station.
By 8:00 p.m., the last Rescuer was dragged into the police station. Moans and screams could be heard from inside. The prisoners were denied access to lawyers and medical doctors. After the police denied an epileptic her medicine, she eventually had a seizure in custody, two days later, on June 19th. Only then were the paramedics brought in. Rescuers were consistently denied access to any legal and medical attention.
Another woman, a nurse and mother of two, had her shoulder dislocated while being arrested in the abortion mill. In an affidavit, she stated that the police had used mace while arresting. She had put syrup on her neck so that pressure point holds could not be used. This angered the police arresting her and they grabbed her by the hair and bashed her head on the ground, causing her to black out. Later, she was picked up by her hair and carried onto the bus, according to eyewitnesses. When she went to the hospital after her release, an attending nurse was stunned by the clumps of hair that were pulled out. One priest lay face down on the floor of the bus for the three-mile ride to the station. His wrists were bleeding from the too tight handcuffs. Some people were held in strangleholds; fingers were bent back.
Our people will willingly endure whatever the state imposes with gratitude, for it is their deepest purpose to eliminate the double standard that separates the preborn from the rest of humanity. One baby is confirmed alive and well in its mother’s womb and will be brought to term. This was the victory our Rescuers sought and won in the face of a perverse and corrupt police department and legal system. They will not be stopped from saving babies.
Forerunner - Home » The Forerunner Newspaper » Pro-life Activism
Your comments are welcome!
Dr. Francis Schaeffer - A Christian Manifesto (DVD)
That Swiss Hermit Strikes Again!
Dr. Schaeffer, who was one of the most influential Christian thinkers in the twentieth century, shows that secular humanism has displaced the Judeo-Christian consensus that once defined our nation’s moral boundaries. Law, education, and medicine have all been reshaped for the worse as a consequence. America’s dominant worldview changed, Schaeffer charges, when Christians weren’t looking.
Schaeffer lists two reasons for evangelical indifference: a false concept of spirituality and fear. He calls on believers to stand against the tyranny and moral chaos that come when humanism reigns-and warns that believers may, at some point, be forced to make the hard choice between obeying God or Caesar. A Christian Manifesto is a thought-provoking and bracing Christian analysis of American culture and the obligation Christians have to engage the culture with the claims of Christ.
$19.95 — ORDER NOW!
Click here for more information
The Beast of Revelation: Identified (DVD)
Who is the dreaded beast of Revelation?
Now at last, a plausible candidate for this personification of evil incarnate has been identified (or re-identified). Ken Gentry’s insightful analysis of scripture and history is likely to revolutionize your understanding of the book of Revelation — and even more importantly — amplify and energize your entire Christian worldview!
Historical footage and other graphics are used to illustrate the lecture Dr. Gentry presented at the 1999 Ligonier Conference in Orlando, Florida. It is followed by a one-hour question and answer session addressing the key concerns and objections typically raised in response to his position. This presentation also features an introduction that touches on not only the confusion and controversy surrounding this issue — but just why it may well be one of the most significant issues facing the Church today.
Ideal for group meetings, personal Bible study — for anyone who wants to understand the historical context of John’s famous letter “… to the seven churches which are in Asia.” (Revelation 1:4)
Running Time: 145 minutes
$17.95 — ORDER NOW!
Click here for more information
A Revival Account: Asbury 1970 (DVD)
What is true Revival and Spiritual Awakening?
Discover the answer in this eyewitness account by Dennis Kinlaw, President of Asbury College, Wilmore, Kentucky, who recounts the story of a visitation of the Holy Spirit in 1970. This is the presentation that has continued to spark the flames of Revival in the hearts of people around the world. Contains eyewitness footage from the Revival at Asbury College in 1970 in Wilmore, Kentucky.
Certain to challenge you to greater holiness and a deeper commitment to full-scale revival. Original news and private footage has been included. If you are a student who longs to see a spiritual awakening at your school, you must see this video!
“This simple video does a wonderful job of conveying something of God’s heart and power, Everyone we have ever shown this to has received an immediate impartation of faith for revival and the power of prayer.”
— Bob and Rose Weiner, Weiner Ministries Int’l
Running Time: 40 minutes
$19.95 — ORDER NOW!
Click here for more information
Dr. Francis Schaeffer - How Should We Then Live? (DVD)
Special Two-Disc Set!
After 40 years of intense study and world-wide ministry, Dr. Francis Schaeffer completed his crowning work of scholarship – to present profound truths in simple film language. Dr. Schaeffer’s brilliant analysis of the past and predictions for current trends have proven so uncannily accurate that this amazing series still feels contemporary almost three decades after its initial release. Ultimately, Schaeffer concludes that man’s only hope is a return to God’s Biblical absolute, the truth revealed in Christ through the Scriptures.
Available for the first time on DVD, this documentary spectacular also includes intimate in-depth conversations with Francis and Edith Schaeffer. With the on-disc study guide, this presentation forms a unique course of comprehensive study. While this series forms an innovative analysis of the past, this outstanding work is more than history. Each episode focuses on a significant era, yet speaks clearly to 21st-century man with answers for modern problems.
$49.95 — ORDER NOW!
Click here for more information
God's Law and Society (DVD)
Download the Free on-line Study Guide!
God’s Law and Society powerfully presents a comprehensive worldview based upon the ethical system found in the Law of God.
Speakers include: R.J. Rushdoony, George Grant, Howard Phillips, R.C. Sproul Jr., Ken Gentry, Gary DeMar, Jay Grimstead, Steven Schlissel, Andrew Sandlin, Eric Holmberg, and more!
Sixteen Christian leaders and scholars answer some of the most common questions and misconceptions related to this volatile issue:
1. Are we under Law or under Grace?
2. Does the Old Testament Law apply today?
3. Can we legislate morality?
4. What are the biblical foundations of government?
5. Was America founded as a Christian nation?
6. What about the separation of Church and State?
7. Is neutrality a myth?
8. What about non-Christians and the Law of God?
9. Would there be “freedom” in a Christian republic?
10. What would a “Christian America” look like?
Perfect for group instruction as well as personal Bible study.
Ten parts, over four hours of instruction!
Running Time: 240 minutes
Watch over 60 on-line video interviews from God’s Law and Society.
$19.95 — ORDER NOW!
