Case Dismissed After Missed Filing Deadline in Pro-Life Activist Assault
A lawyer representing the victim reported that the case against a woman accused of assaulting a pro-life activist has been dropped due to a missed filing deadline by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.
Brianna Rivers, 30, hailing from the Bronx, allegedly punched Savanna Craven Antao during a live interview about pro-life issues in New York City this past April.
Rivers faced two assault charges, but the case was dismissed in July when evidence couldn’t be provided in time, according to the Thomas More Society, based in Chicago.
Pro-Life Journalists Call Out Rhetoric
Following the incident, Savannah ended up in the emergency room for stitches, incurring around $3,000 in medical bills. The Thomas More Society noted that after the attack, Rivers left the scene while displaying an obscene gesture.
Christopher Ferrara, a senior advisor at the Thomas More Society, expressed concern, stating, “Not prosecuting these explicit accusations sets a dangerous precedent for how we handle violence against those participating in democratic discussions.”
DA’s Office Addresses Missed Deadline
A representative from the DA’s office acknowledged the internal mistake in a statement to the New York Post, saying they plan to take immediate measures when such failures occur.
“Every victim deserves their day in court,” they remarked, extending an apology to Craven Antao for the unacceptable error concerning the discovery deadline.
As of Saturday, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office had not yet responded to further inquiries from Fox News Digital.
Assault Caught on Video
A video taken by Antao’s husband captured the moment Rivers, seemingly frustrated with the interview, struck Antao twice in the face. The footage shook as Rivers exited the scene.
Antao, visibly impacted by the altercation, sustained injuries and was left bleeding.
In a statement via social media, Rivers contended that Antao had provoked her, claiming, “I truly apologize to Savannah, but I need to share the full story. While I would never directly harm anyone, I cannot ignore the motivations that led to this incident.” She insisted she knows the truth of what happened.
