Founder of anti-abortion group charged in shooting at Planned Parenthood in South Carolina.

Mark Baumgartner, the founder of the anti-abortion organization A Moment of Hope, was arrested on charges stemming from a shooting incident that occurred on November 14 outside a Planned Parenthood facility in Columbia, South Carolina. The 56-year-old Baumgartner was taken into custody this week after local police performed a thorough review of surveillance footage and interviewed witnesses regarding the encounter that resulted in the injury of another man.

According to authorities, the incident escalated during an argument outside the clinic, with Baumgartner allegedly using pepper spray against the victim before firing his handgun. The altercation was captured on video by an onlooker, depicting Baumgartner in a high-visibility vest as he sprayed the victim’s face. Following this, a physical confrontation ensued, leading to the gunshot that ultimately injured the unidentified man. Reports indicate that the victim was hospitalized following the incident but has since been discharged.

As a result of the investigation, Baumgartner faces serious charges including assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Should he be convicted, the assault charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, while the firearm charge mandates a minimum sentence of five years. Baumgartner has been booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, and was subsequently released after posting a ,000 cash bond on the same day of his arrest. As conditions of his release, he has been ordered to maintain distance from the Planned Parenthood facility and refrain from contacting the victim involved in the shooting.

A Moment of Hope is known for organizing protests outside Planned Parenthood clinics and providing what they describe as “sidewalk counseling” to individuals seeking reproductive health services. In response to Baumgartner’s arrest, Paige Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, emphasized the need for safety in healthcare environments. She stated that no individual should encounter violence when seeking or providing healthcare services and condemned gun violence as a significant public health issue. In light of recent events, the organization has implemented additional security measures at their Columbia location to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

This incident has drawn attention to the ongoing conflict surrounding reproductive rights and the safety of healthcare providers and patients alike. The legal proceedings against Baumgartner will be closely monitored as the community grapples with the implications of this violent encounter.