Democrat calls for increased security at 3 abortion clinics

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A Democratic state representative is asking GOP Gov. Nikki Haley to increase security at the three clinics in South Carolina that provide abortions following last week’s deadly shootings at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado.

Rep. Mia McLeod of Columbia called on the governor Monday to coordinate with state and local law enforcement to monitor clinics in Charleston, Columbia and Greenville.

Robert Dear, a 57-year-old former South Carolina resident, is accused of opening fire at a clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado, killing three people and injuring nine others.

McLeod says Haley needs to set politics aside and make the safety and wellbeing of patients and employees a top priority.

Haley’s office did not immediately respond.

Planned Parenthood operates one of three clinics in South Carolina that provide abortions. It’s in Columbia.