Peter James Knight

Who is Peter James Knight?

Peter James Knight is a anti-abortion activist who shot dead a security guard in an Australian abortion clinic.

Knight led a hermit's life in the years leading up to the incident. He lived in a small camp in the suburbs, 'off the grid' without a telephone or electricity. He did, however, frequently attend anti-abortion rallies.

On 16 July 2001 he walked into the East Melbourne Fertility Clinic, carrying a rifle. He also had 16 litres of kerosene, 3 lighters, torches, 30 gags, and a handwritten note that read "We regret to advise that as a result of a fatal accident involving some members of staff, we have been forced to cancel all appointments today".

Knight later stated that he intended to massacre everyone in the clinic, and attack all Melbourne abortion clinics. He shot 44 year old Stephen Gordon Rogers, a security guard, in the chest, killing him. Staff and clients overpowered him soon after.

For many weeks after his arrest Knight refused to answer questions or cooperate with police investigations. Police did not know his identity until 3 months after his arrest, even though his photographs were published in major newspapers.

On 19 November 2002 Knight was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum of 23 years. He will be in his 70s before being eligible for parole. He is currently serving in Barwon Prison, Lara, Victoria, Australia.