Dr. John Bayard Britton, a 69-year-old physician, was tragically assassinated on July 29, 1994, in Pensacola, Florida. Dr. Britton was known for performing abortions at the Pensacola Ladies' Center, a role he took on after the murder of Dr. David Gunn, another abortion provider, in 1993. Dr. Britton's work made him a target for anti-abortion extremists, and he faced numerous threats and harassment. Despite the dangers, he continued his work, often traveling across the state to provide services.
He took precautions, including wearing a homemade bulletproof vest and carrying a .357 Magnum for protection.
On the day of his murder, Dr. Britton arrived at the clinic accompanied by his bodyguard, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel James Herman Barrett Jr., and Barrett's wife, June. As they exited their vehicle, Paul Jennings Hill, an anti-abortion extremist, approached and fired a twelve-gauge shotgun at Dr. Britton, hitting him in the head and killing him instantly. Hill also shot and killed James Barrett and wounded June Barrett. Hill later stated that he aimed for Dr. Britton's head because he suspected the doctor was wearing a bulletproof vest.
The murder of Dr. Britton and James Barrett drew significant attention and outrage. It was the second assassination of an abortion provider in Pensacola in less than a year and a half, highlighting the extreme violence faced by those in the profession. The incident prompted calls from several members of Congress for the FBI to infiltrate anti-abortion groups, similar to its efforts against the Ku Klux Klan.
Paul Jennings Hill was arrested at the scene and later charged with the murders. He was convicted and sentenced to death on December 6, 1994. Hill's execution by lethal injection took place on September 3, 2003, making him the first person in the United States to be executed for murdering a doctor who performed abortions. The case underscored the intense and often violent opposition to abortion in the United States and the risks faced by medical professionals who provide these services.
