John Salvi

John C. Salvi III (March 2, 1972 – November 29, 1996) was an American anti-abortion extremist who carried out fatal shootings at two abortion facilities in Brookline, Massachusetts, on December 30, 1994. The shootings killed two and wounded five. His insanity defense was unsuccessful, leading to convictions on two counts of murder and a life sentence without parole. He died in 1996, with his death officially ruled a suicide in his prison cell.

Brookline shootings

In the mid-morning of December 30, 1994, John Salvi walked into the Planned Parenthood clinic on Beacon Street in Brookline, Massachusetts, carrying a black duffle bag. The defense argued that Salvi suffered from schizophrenia, with several expert witnesses including forensic psychiatrist Phillip J. Resnick testifying that Salvi exhibited schizophrenic behavior and was not competent to stand trial.

Aftermath Then-Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Boston, Bernard Law, called for a moratorium on clinic protests following the shooting.