Three people were killed and nine others were injured after a gunman opened fire at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs on Friday.

The suspect surrendered to Colorado police after a five hour standoff during which shots were exchanged. A number of people were trapped inside the clinic during the shoot out. Law enforcement officials have identified the suspect as Robert Lewis Dear, 59. 

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Two of the fatalities were civilians.  One was a police officer. 

The motive for the deadly shooting remains unclear and the police is yet to reveal additional information about the suspect.  But the BBC notes that Planned Parenthood has attracted protests in the past.

"We don't yet know the full circumstances and motives behind this criminal action," Vicki Cowart, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, said in a written statement.  "We don't yet know if Planned Parenthood was in fact the target of this attack."

CNN reports that the slain police officer, Garrett Swasey, 44, worked for the University of Colorado.  Swasey was on campus, about 10 away miles from the clinic, when the shooting erupted. In a statement, the school's chancellor said Swasey went to the scene to support an officer under fire. 

The two other victims were civilians.  Police have yet to give any other details about them as of writing.

"I want to convey to the loved ones of the victims, this is a terrible, terrible tragedy that occurred in Colorado Springs today," Mayor John Suthers told a news conference. "Obviously, we lost two civilians victims.  We mourn the loss of a very brave police officer." 

Police had sealed the streets around the clinic as officers attempted to make contact with the suspect. 

"We did get police officers into the building," said police Lt. Catherine Buckley.

Witnesses have reported hearing gunfire and seeing police with weapons drawn running to take cover behind cars when the shooting started. Denise Speller, who works at a nearby salon, said she heard at least 10 gunshots and saw a police officer get hit. "It was terrifying," she said.

Four civilians and five police officers were later rushed to local hospitals with gunshot wounds.  Colorado police said the injured were in good condition as of Friday evening.

Planned Parenthood CEO Cecile Richards thanked the responding law enforcement officers in a statement released Friday.   

"Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the brave law enforcement officers who put themselves in harm's way in Colorado Springs," Richards said. 

Tagscolorado shooting, Planned Parenthood, Three killed in Colorado shooting, Planned Parenthood Colorado Springs Shootout