Manhattan DA Declines to Prosecute NYC Woman Who Punched Pro-Life Activist During Street Interview

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has declined to prosecute a woman who left a pro-life activist bloodied during a street interview in New York City earlier this year, according to attorneys from the Thomas More Society.

New York police arrested Brianna J. Rivers, 30, in April on one count of second-degree assault after she sucker punched activist Savannah Craven Antao during a street interview on abortion. The attack was caught on camera as Craven Antao asked Rivers questions about abortion on behalf of the pro-life organization Live Action. 

But now, attorneys with the Thomas More Society say they plan to file a civil suit and seek damages on Craven Antao’s behalf after Bragg’s office declined to prosecute the felony assault charge.

Bragg’s office first downgraded the charge to a misdemeanor before ultimately dismissing the charge altogether, they said.

“District Attorney Bragg’s shocking refusal to uphold justice only works to undermine confidence in the system, especially when our political climate has become as fraught as it is now,” Thomas More Society senior counsel Christopher Ferrera said in a statement. “Failing to prosecute these clear-cut charges sets a dangerous standard for how our society responds to violence against those engaging in democratic dialogue.”

“This blatant example of selective prosecution shows a troubling disregard for equal protection, leaving peaceful pro-life advocacy exposed to intimidation and violence. Savannah’s assailant may have been spared criminal consequences by the Manhattan DA’s failure, but we will see to it that she faces accountability. We will seek justice for Savannah, including punitive damages, as a lesson to those who think they can respond to pro-life speech with violence,” Ferrara added.

Craven Antao noted “millions of people saw my attack, an unprovoked assault, captured on camera while I was peacefully sharing my pro-life views and engaging in respectful dialogue.”

“Even with indisputable evidence, District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office quietly let the charges fade away, as if protecting people from violence was negotiable,” she added. “Political violence should never be tolerated or given a free pass. When those in power refuse to hold accountable those who respond to free speech with violence, it threatens the very fabric of our civil society. I will not be intimidated or silenced when it comes to speaking up for the unborn, and with the support of Thomas More Society, I will keep pushing for accountability.”

The Manhattan DA’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from National Review.

In a clip of the incident, the attacker tells Craven Antao, “You don’t understand the magnitude of having a child.” 

“I’m not the one who admitted they would be OK with killing babies in foster care and killing children that had been abused,” Craven Antao said.

“That’s not the point,” Rivers replied before punching Craven Antao in the face twice, sending her off camera as the attacker walked away. 

Craven Antao was transported by police to a local hospital. She reportedly suffered two cuts that required several stitches. 

Craven Antao’s husband, Henry Antao, told Live Action at the time, “The woman became aggressive and violent upon learning Savannah’s pro-life stance. I intervened to protect my wife and we immediately called 911. The police arrived, and we provided them with the assailant’s photo and description. We hope justice will be served soon.”

Rivers, earlier this year, claimed she was provoked by Craven Antao.

“To Savannah, I sincerely apologize, but cannot sit around and allow you to continue pushing this one sided narrative. I understand hands being put on someone is never the answer, but throwing rocks and hiding hands is worse,” Rivers wrote on Facebook.

“She knows the truth and she needs to release the footage in its entirety. Savannah is a professional antagonist not a ‘reporter’ and the truth will be told,” she added.

Craven Antao did in fact post the entire video online immediately after the incident.