Last spring in Harlem, pro-life reporter Savannah Craven Antao became the target of a brutal attack, a stark illustration of escalating ideological violence. While conducting interviews for a project examining perceptions of Planned Parenthood, she was confronted by Brianna Rivers, a pro-abortion extremist.
The encounter began as a civil discussion, but swiftly turned volatile when Rivers discovered Antao’s pro-life stance. Without warning, Rivers launched a violent assault, repeatedly punching Antao in the face before her husband intervened to stop the attack.
Antao required immediate medical attention, receiving stitches for her injuries. The New York Police Department arrested Rivers, initially charging her with second-degree assault, a felony reflecting the severity of the attack.
However, a disturbing pattern of injustice began to unfold. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office dramatically downgraded the charge to a misdemeanor, then allowed the case to be dismissed entirely due to a missed discovery deadline.
Bragg’s office offered a belated apology, acknowledging a “filing error,” but refused to reinstate the original felony charge or pursue further prosecution. This inaction left Antao feeling abandoned by the justice system.
Attorneys with the Thomas More Society, representing Antao, presented compelling legal arguments demonstrating that prosecution was still possible, even with an upgraded felony charge. They urged Bragg’s office to hold Rivers accountable, even suggesting a hate crime charge be considered.
Despite this evidence, Bragg’s office remained resolute in its refusal to act, stating that continued prosecution was “not possible.” This decision sparked outrage and accusations of a double standard in the application of justice.
Christopher Ferrara, Senior Counsel at Thomas More Society, condemned the decision, stating the DA’s office had deliberately failed to correct its own mistake. He questioned whether the outcome would have been different if the roles were reversed.
Now, Antao is taking matters into her own hands, filing a civil lawsuit against Rivers to seek the justice that Bragg’s office denied her. The lawsuit aims to hold Rivers accountable for the violent attack and the physical and emotional trauma it caused.
This case underscores a troubling trend: the vulnerability of individuals who peacefully express their beliefs in the face of escalating extremism. Antao’s courage in pursuing justice serves as a powerful statement against violence and a demand for equal protection under the law.
The attack, captured on video, highlights the dangers faced by those willing to publicly defend their convictions. Antao’s willingness to speak out about the dignity of unborn life made her a target, and the subsequent handling of the case raises serious questions about fairness and impartiality.
