Case Dropped Against Woman Who Assaulted Pro-Life Activist

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has quietly dropped the second-degree assault charge against Brianna J. Rivers, a 30-year-old woman who violently struck a pro-life activist during an interview in Harlem in April. The DA cited an “unacceptable error” related to missing a evidence-sharing deadline as the reason for dismissal.

The case is now under review by the Chicago-based Thomas More Society, which plans to file a civil suit on behalf of Savannah Craven Antao, the activist who was punched. Craven Antao was injured during the incident, suffering a black eye, facial stitches, and emotional trauma, incurring over $3,000 in medical expenses.

Craven Antao expressed her frustration upon discovering the case’s dismissal from social media, criticizing the DA’s office for its handling of the matter. A spokesperson for Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg acknowledged the mistake and said the office apologized to Craven Antao, stating they are taking internal steps to address the failure.

The incident occurred after tensions escalated during the interview, with Craven Antao interrupting Rivers and making controversial statements about abortion and foster care. The confrontation turned violent when Rivers responded with punches and left the scene flipping her middle fingers, telling her critic to “S–k my d–k.”

Craven Antao, later apologizing publicly for her part in the altercation, argued that Rivers provoked her, but maintained her rights to free speech. Meanwhile, Rivers shared videos online boasting about the incident and dismissing the case as dismissed.

Legal experts suggest that Rivers’s apology might have influenced the case outcome, and the civil lawsuit is expected to be filed soon. Craven Antao plans to pursue legal action to hold Rivers accountable for her assault.