Anti-abortion minister executed in US

A former US church minister who murdered an abortion doctor and his bodyguard claiming he was trying to save the lives of unborn babies, was executed by lethal injection tonight.

Paul Hill was the first person put to death in the US for anti-abortion violence.

Hill, 49, was put to death by lethal injection in Florida for the 1994 murders in Pensacola of Dr John Britton and his escort, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel James Herman Barrett.

Barrett’s wife, June, was wounded in the shootings outside the Ladies Centre in Pensacola. Hill did not appeal.

“The sooner I am executed the sooner I am going to heaven,” Hill said in prison interview.

“I expect a great reward in heaven. I am looking forward to glory. I don’t feel remorse.”

“More people should act as I have acted,” Hill added.

Abortion-rights groups worry that Hill’s execution will trigger reprisals by those who share his steadfast belief that violence to stop abortion is justified.