Pro-Life Influencer Files Lawsuit After Assault in NYC

A pro-life activist known for her online presence has taken legal action following an incident where she was attacked during a street interview in New York City. Savannah Craven Antao, who operates the YouTube channel Her Patriot Voice, reports that she was punched multiple times by Brianna J. Rivers, 30, from the Bronx, on April 3 while conducting an interview for Live Action.

After the assault, Craven Antao required stitches, leading to over $3,000 in medical expenses, as detailed in a complaint filed on November 18 in Bronx Supreme Court. Attorneys representing her have accused Rivers of “deliberately, knowingly, and maliciously” mocking her online, which only added to her emotional turmoil.

The complaint also claims that Rivers capitalized on the situation by selling products that ridiculed Craven Antao’s religious beliefs and referenced the assault, including a T-shirt featuring the phrase “BAM!” It is alleged that Rivers and her cousin designed this to fund her legal defense.

In the aftermath of this incident, many pro-life advocates have voiced their concerns, particularly since Rivers faced no penalties. Initially charged with second-degree assault, the charges were dropped in July due to a failure by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office to present crucial evidence on time. The complaint criticizes Bragg’s office for reducing the charges and allowing them to lapse.

In a recent interview, Craven Antao expressed her fears about safety, concerned that those who support Rivers may act out. “Knowing that someone can get away with harming others, it makes me wary,” she stated. “It sends a message that if you oppose certain views, you might face violence without consequence.”

Bragg’s office acknowledged the error in handling the case and apologized for not meeting discovery deadlines. They stated that every victim deserves their legal day in court and indicated they would take immediate internal measures to address the oversight.

Craven Antao decided to pursue a lawsuit not just for personal justice but to hold Rivers accountable. She emphasized, “I am grateful my medical bills were covered because I shouldn’t be responsible for that. It’s important that this doesn’t go unnoticed.” She also expressed a desire for Rivers to find redemption, saying, “I hope she eventually finds God as she seems to be deeply troubled.”

Christopher Ferrara, one of the attorneys involved, highlighted the failure of prosecutors to take the case seriously. “Savannah was assaulted simply for expressing her beliefs peacefully and then humiliated online. The prosecutors had every chance to seek justice, but they failed, leaving us no option but to seek civil remedies.”

Craven Antao is also connecting her personal experiences to wider concerns about the safety of conservative voices, referencing the tragic case of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. “If someone like him, with all the necessary security, can face such risks, what does that mean for everyday journalists?” she questioned, adding that the hostility from online threats makes her anxious about her safety.

Rivers had previously issued an apology on social media, expressing regret and framing the incident as a misunderstanding, but the fallout continues to impact both women.

Currently, neither the Manhattan prosecutor’s office nor Rivers has responded to requests for comments regarding the situation.