About 20 anti-abortion activists were arrested outside Planned Parenthood Friday morning in Memphis, many of them carried away by police.
The group, calling themselves “Rescue Resurrection” are hoping to kick-start a new wave of clinic blockades, even in Tennessee, where abortion is illegal.
Randall Terry, founder of the original Operation Rescue, was among those who forced Memphis Police to carry him away as he attempted to block the facility.
Joan Andrews Bell, who was pardoned by President Trump after being sentenced to two years in prison for a prior abortion clinic blockade for which she was prosecuted under President Biden, was carried away by three Memphis Police Officers.
“The Trump administration has told the DOJ ‘do not prosecute people under FACE,'” Randall Terry explained that Trump’s position is why he feels comfortable that the group won’t face federal charged under Trump. “Abortion is against the law in this state.”
“We’re coming here as the heroes to enforce the law against these people,” he added, prior to the action.
Anti-abortion activist Terrisa Bukovinac, who was also later arrested, commented that “100%, yes, I’m prepared for that outcome” regarding the possibility that a future president charges them for violating federal law. “That’s not my desired outcome.
Connie Becker, who works along with Bukovinac at “Progressive Anti Abortion Uprising” (PAAU) explained that “it doesn’t matter that they’re not getting abortions here in Tennessee” because Planned Parenthood continues to provides resources to get abortions in other states, which she calls “trafficking them over state lines.”
Planned Parenthood volunteer escorts facilitated people entering the facility around the anti-abortion activists.
“Human life is sacred, please don’t go in!” an activist tried to tell someone escorted inside. “There’s help just across the street. Please, keep that baby!”
“We just want to sing one more song if we could,” Randall Terry asked a police officer after being given warnings to leave.
“Uhh, no we have to arrest you. We have to arrest you now, unfortunately,” the officer replied.
The group began singing “we shall overcome” as arrests began, with some being carried away if they didn’t walk on their own once arrested.
A handful of anti-abortion activists remained on the sidewalk outside the facility, where volunteers continued to link arms at the front door to help people get in and out.
The night prior, Randall Terry led a training at a nearby church, posted uncut here:
