Murder of David Gunn

Who is Murder of David Gunn?

On March 10, 1993, Michael Frederick Griffin murdered David Gunn in Pensacola, Florida in the United States. This was the first documented murder of an OB-GYN, to prevent a doctor from performing abortions.

Griffin waited outside Gunn's clinic and shot him three times in the back. He is reported to have yelled "Don't kill any more babies," just before the shooting. Griffin did not attempt to hide his commission of the murder, telling police, "We need an ambulance."

A jury deliberated three hours before finding him guilty on March 4, 1994. He was sentenced to life in prison. He is currently serving in Okaloosa Correctional Institution in Crestview, Florida. The murder was one of the motivating factors in the creation of the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. Gunn's death also prompted Paul Jennings Hill to issue the First Defensive Action Statement, signed by 30 anti-abortion leaders, which justifies the killing of abortionists to protect unborn children.