Jim Pouillon, known to many as the “Sign Guy,” was murdered early this morning in Owosso, Michigan, as he peacefully held a sign displaying a photograph of a newborn baby.  The victim, shot four times in the chest with a semi-automatic gun, was a 63-year-old disabled man who required supplemental oxygen from a portable tank and wore leg braces.

For over two decades, Pouillon had dedicated his life to speaking out against abortion.  He opposed violence in any form, but had said he would be willing to die for his beliefs.  Sara Edwards, the chief assistant prosecutor for Shiawassee County, has confirmed that Pouillon’s pro-life stance was the reason he was murdered, according to a statement from the suspect, who is in custody.

“Jim often participated in ministry activities with many of our close friends,” commented Terri Palmquist, who noted that Jim had been the target of death threats and violence in the past.  “Jim had no way to run from this attack, just like the babies in the womb.  We abhor this cowardly act, but I’m sure that if Jim were here he would want us to emphasize the tragic deaths of over 3000 innocent children aborted in our nation every day – more than the number of people who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks.”

Palmquist revealed that she and other LifeSavers Ministries volunteers have been attacked and received death threats in the past.  “Quite often the Bakersfield police act like it is no big deal when someone attacks or threatens us,” Palmquist said.

“Although we are sad that Jim was murdered,” Palmquist remarked, “we know that he has received his final reward and we will not allow this violence to keep us from reaching out to save local women from abortion.”

Palmquist is helping to lead a 40 day, 24 hour peaceful prayer vigil at Bakersfield’s only abortion business.  The vigil begins on September 23 with a kickoff rally on Saturday, September 19 at 6 pm outside Bakersfield’s only abortion business at 25th and H Streets.  Similar prayer vigils are being held in over 200 cities nationwide.  For more information on the prayer vigils, go to www.40daysforlife.com .