Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has dropped criminal charges against a woman who brutally assaulted a pro-life advocate in a violent attack caught on video, sending a chilling message about political violence and selective justice.
Story Highlights
- Bragg’s office dismissed charges against Brianna Rivers who punched pro-life advocate Savannah Antao multiple times
- The April 2025 assault left Antao bloodied and requiring emergency medical treatment costing $3,000
- Video evidence clearly shows Rivers striking Antao during a peaceful street interview about Planned Parenthood
- Thomas More Society launches civil lawsuit seeking punitive damages after criminal case dismissed
Clear Video Evidence Ignored by Bragg’s Office
Savannah Craven Antao was conducting routine street interviews for Live Action in April 2025, asking passersby about their views on Planned Parenthood. During what began as a calm discussion, 30-year-old Brianna Rivers suddenly escalated to physical violence, striking Antao multiple times in the face. The brutal assault was captured on video and went viral, showing clear evidence of unprovoked violence against the peaceful advocate.
The attack left Antao with facial lacerations requiring hospital treatment and stitches. Medical bills from the assault totaled $3,000, demonstrating the severity of injuries inflicted during what should have been protected First Amendment activity. Police arrested Rivers after the video gained widespread public attention, but the case would later be dismissed despite overwhelming evidence.
Prosecutorial Failure Sets Dangerous Precedent
Bragg’s office acknowledged an “unacceptable error” in handling the case, particularly their failure to turn over evidence on time, which led to the dismissal in July 2025. However, this explanation rings hollow given the office’s track record of pursuing politically motivated prosecutions while seemingly ignoring clear-cut violence against conservative advocates. The dismissal sends a troubling message about equal application of justice in Manhattan.
Christopher Ferrara of the Thomas More Society, representing Antao, criticized the decision as undermining public confidence in the justice system. He argued that “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 failure particularly concerns advocates who may now feel less protected when exercising their constitutional rights.
Civil Action Seeks Justice After Criminal System Fails
Following Bragg’s abandonment of the criminal case, the Thomas More Society announced in late September 2025 they are launching civil litigation against Rivers seeking punitive damages. Antao condemned the prosecutor’s decision as “simply irresponsible,” criticizing the office for allowing her assailant to “escape criminal consequences.” She characterized Rivers as “part of the rising culture of anti-Christian and anti-conservative violence on the left.”
The case represents a broader pattern of political violence targeting peaceful advocates, particularly around contentious issues like abortion rights. When prosecutors fail to hold perpetrators accountable, it potentially emboldens others to use violence against those with opposing viewpoints. This undermines the fundamental principle that Americans should be able to engage in peaceful advocacy without fear of physical assault, regardless of their political beliefs or the popularity of their message.
Sources:
New York prosecutor drops charges against suspect in bloody assault on pro-life advocate
Alvin Bragg drops charges against woman who punched pro-lifer
