Manhattan Assault Case Against Pro-Life Activist’s Attacker Dismissed After Missed Deadline

A Manhattan assault case involving Brianna Rivers, who was accused of punching pro-life activist Savannah Craven Antao during a street interview, has been dismissed after prosecutors missed a key filing deadline. The Thomas More Society, a legal group representing Craven Antao, confirmed the dismissal and announced plans to pursue a civil lawsuit against Rivers.

The April incident was captured on video and widely circulated online. It shows Rivers striking Craven Antao in the face during an interview for the pro-life group Live Action in New York City. Craven Antao required stitches and reportedly incurred $3,000 in medical costs. According to witnesses, Rivers walked away from the scene while raising both middle fingers.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office acknowledged the procedural error. A spokesperson said, “Every victim deserves their day in court,” and blamed the missed discovery deadline on a reassignment of the case. DA Alvin Bragg’s office has since called for changes to New York’s discovery laws, citing the dismissal as an example of the statute’s flaws.

Christopher Ferrara, senior counsel at the Thomas More Society, condemned the case’s dismissal, calling it a “shocking” failure of justice. “Failing to prosecute these clear-cut charges undermines confidence in the justice system,” Ferrara said, warning of the precedent it sets for politically charged violence.

Rivers responded on Facebook, claiming Craven Antao “antagonized” her and suggesting the full context has been misrepresented. The case has further intensified scrutiny on DA Bragg, who is also facing criticism for prosecuting former President Donald Trump.

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