James Herman Barrett Jr., a 74-year-old white male, was tragically killed on July 29, 1994, in Pensacola, Florida. Barrett, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, was serving as an escort for Dr. John Bayard Britton at the time of his death. The incident occurred outside the Ladies Center, an abortion clinic in Pensacola, where Barrett and Dr. Britton were shot by Paul Hill, an anti-abortion activist.
Barrett's wife, June Barrett, was also present and sustained injuries in the attack.
Barrett had a distinguished military career, having served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He retired in 1969 and later became involved in various social causes, including serving as an escort for patients at abortion clinics. On the morning of July 29, 1994, Barrett, his wife June, and Dr. Britton arrived at the clinic in a pickup truck driven by Barrett. As they exited the vehicle, Paul Hill, who had been waiting outside the clinic, opened fire, killing both Barrett and Dr. Britton and wounding June Barrett.
Paul Hill was arrested shortly after the shooting and was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. Hill, a former minister, claimed that his actions were justified to prevent abortions. He was found guilty on all counts and was sentenced to death. Hill was executed by lethal injection on September 3, 2003, becoming the first person in the United States to be executed for anti-abortion violence.
The case drew significant attention and highlighted the extreme measures some anti-abortion activists were willing to take. Barrett's death was a profound loss to his family and the community, where he was remembered for his dedication to social causes and his service to the country. The incident also underscored the ongoing tensions and dangers faced by those involved in providing and supporting abortion services.
