Joe Daniels, 31, a police officer in Jackson, Mississippi, helped to arrest and remove pro-lifers in the first rescue mission in the city on May 16, 1988. He resigned the same day.
Daniels is a devout Methodist who had heard of, and admired, David Packer. He told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger: “By carrying out my sworn duty as an officer, I realized I was helping abortionists ply their craft. I argued with myself that I’ve always taken pleasure in arresting the bad guys. I prided myself on my ability to bring the scales of justice to balance. But in this case, I have confused the good guys with the bad guys. And I have made a grievous error.” He added that he considered his resignation as a penance.
Sixty-four people were arrested for attempting to save lives at the Mississippi Women’s Medical Clinic, an abortuary. Among those arrested were nine pastors, seven seminarians, and three physicians including Dr. Beverly McMillan, a former abortionist featured in “Eclipse of Reason,” and her husband Roy McMillan who organized the rescue mission. Another 80 activists picketed or sidewalk counseled during the rescue.
