Springs Planned Parenthood Holds Reopening Ceremony 5 Months After Attack
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) - The Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs that was the scene of a deadly shooting will reopen Monday morning.
On Nov. 27 admitted gunman Robert Dear stormed in and killed three people, including a police officer. The facility will now resume all services after holding a reopening ceremony Sunday.
Planned Parenthood had a memorial table for the three people who died in the attack. Behind it were banners that said Planned Parenthood won't tolerate what some speakers called domestic terrorism.
"It's really moving and we're very excited to be reopening for the patients of this community," said Cecil Richards, Planned Parenthood President.
It's been five months since part of the building was destroyed as police tried to apprehend the gunman. Now it's rebuilt and ready for patients.
"Our lives have been changed by this," Planned Parenthood employee Brenda Vaden said.
"Through this process I have witnessed incredible leadership, incredible caretakers," Vaden said. "Despite everything that happened, I saw the staff rebuild themselves again."
It was an emotional ceremony that saw tears and cheers.
"What is so important about today is that love is so much more powerful than hate," Richards said.
Outside the event there was more than a dozen protesters with signs. Inside Planned Parenthood had their own sign.
"I wish that we could do our job in peace," Vicki Cowart with Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains said.
"Care no matter what. Here that extends not only to patients, but each other as well," Vaden said.
"Our doors stay open no matter what and we are resilient and we are dedicated. We know our services are beloved, our services are needed, and our services really make a difference in the community," Cowart said.
"What we saw across the country was an outpouring of support for the patients here and the staff here. I think that's one of the reasons this center was rebuilt so quickly and reopened so quickly," Richards said.
As full services return the clinic is already fully booked for two weeks in advance.
Also being put in this week is a memorial art installation honoring not just the three people who died, but also the other nine who were injured.
