An elderly Michigan abortionist, Theodore Roummel, has been accused of intentionally running over Mark Zimmerman, a pro-life sidewalk counselor, outside a Saginaw abortion facility last week, inflicting a fracture on the latter’s leg. Zimmerman, who regularly prays alongside other pro-life advocates outside the Women’s Center of Saginaw, claimed that the 88-year-old Roummel ran over him twice with his vehicle, leaving him wheelchair-bound pending surgery. Eyewitnesses at the scene reportedly saw Roummel get out of his car and mock Zimmerman as he lay injured on the ground.
Despite multiple witnesses providing statements to the police, Zimmerman stated that Roummel was not arrested and proceeded with his day, performing five abortions. Following the incident, Zimmerman was treated by paramedics on the scene before being transported to a hospital for further care. An online fundraiser has since been set up to aid Zimmerman with his medical and legal costs.
Zimmerman has reported the matter to the police, but it does not appear that Roummel has been charged yet. Zimmerman claimed that he visited the Saginaw Township police station only to be told that the police report was not yet finished as the matter was still under investigation. Zimmerman stated, “If the roles were reversed I would have been taken away in handcuffs.” Interestingly, this is not the first such accusation against Roummel, who was charged with assault in 2012 following a similar incident involving Lynn Mills, director of Pro-Life Michigan.
Despite the ordeal, Zimmerman has expressed his intent to continue his pro-life advocacy outside the abortion facility. In an interview with Live Action, he expressed forgiveness for Roummel and stated his wish to see justice prevail. Zimmerman also reiterated his commitment to the pro-life cause, encouraging others to “keep up the fight for life.”
The incident comes amid increasing violence against pro-life advocates. Over 300 attacks have been recorded since 2022, with the FBI Director admitting that about 70% of abortion-related violence or threat cases targeted pro-life organizations following the Dobbs decision. The rising hostility has prompted pro-life organizations to enhance their security measures, while Republican lawmakers demand the Biden administration take action against the escalating pro-abortion domestic terrorism. Nevertheless, while the administration is actively working to expand abortion rights, it has made little effort to curb the growing aggression against pro-life advocates and churches.