Alvin Bragg’s office drops case against woman who assaulted pro-life activist during interview

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has dismissed the case against a woman accused of sucker-punching a pro-life activist during a street interview in New York City.

30-year-old Brianna Rivers was captured on video last April striking Savannah Craven Antao, a pro-life activist conducting an interview for the group Live Action. Rivers was charged with second-degree assault, but prosecutors dropped the case in July after failing to turn over evidence by the required deadline.

The Thomas More Society, which intends to file a civil lawsuit against Rivers on Craven Antao’s behalf, said the activist required emergency room treatment, stitches, and incurred $3,000 in medical expenses.

"District Attorney Bragg’s shocking refusal to uphold justice only works to undermine confidence in the system, especially when our political climate has become as fraught as it is now," said senior counsel Christopher Ferrara. "Failing to prosecute these clear-cut charges sets a dangerous standard for how our society responds to violence against those engaging in democratic dialogue."

Bragg’s office attributed the failure to a reassignment error. According to Fox News, a spokesperson acknowledged the mistake, saying, "Every victim deserves their day in court, and our office has reached out to apologize to Ms. Craven Antao for the unacceptable error of missing the discovery deadline.”

"We are taking immediate internal steps in light of this case,” the spokesperson added.

Video of the assault went viral, showing Rivers abruptly striking Craven Antao in the face mid-interview, leaving her cut and bloodied. Following the incident, Rivers posted on Facebook, claiming Craven Antao provoked the attack.

"To Savannah, I sincerely apologize but cannot sit around and allow you to continue pushing this one sided narrative. I understand hands being put on someone is never the answer, but throwing rocks and hiding hands is worse," she claimed. "She knows the truth, and she needs to release the footage in its entirety. Savannah is a professional antagonist, not a ‘reporter’ and the truth will be told."