New York, N.Y. — A civil lawsuit has been filed against an individual accused of assaulting a pro-life advocate during a public discussion in Harlem. The Thomas More Society represents Savannah Craven Antao, who claims she was violently attacked while sharing her beliefs in what was intended to be a peaceful interaction. The suit arises after the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, led by Alvin Bragg, elected not to pursue criminal charges against Brianna Rivers for her alleged actions.
The complaint details an incident where Rivers reportedly punched Antao in the face multiple times, including once with a cell phone, resulting in serious physical injuries and lasting emotional distress. According to the lawsuit, the assault was accompanied by Rivers’ boastful social media posts that not only celebrated the attack but ridiculed Antao’s Christian values and pro-life stance.
Chris Ferrara, Senior Counsel at the Thomas More Society, criticized the District Attorney’s inaction, stating that Antao was subjected to the added humiliation of online glorification of her assault. “The DA’s office had every opportunity to seek justice but chose not to,” Ferrara said. He emphasized the need for a civil suit to ensure accountability for Rivers’ alleged misconduct.
Antao expressed her hope that the lawsuit will hold Rivers responsible for her actions. “Being attacked for standing up for my beliefs was devastating, and it has felt worse seeing my assailant celebrate the incident,” she stated. She added that the DA’s failure to take action undermines the rights of all New Yorkers to receive equal protection under the law.
The lawsuit includes claims of assault, battery, menacing, and harassment, asserting that the incident was fueled by prejudice against Antao’s pro-life and Christian beliefs. According to the filing, the criminal prosecution of Rivers was abandoned due to negligence on the part of the prosecution, allowing the civil case to proceed.
The legal action seeks both compensatory and punitive damages for the alleged physical injuries and emotional suffering. Ferrara reaffirmed the commitment of his organization to pursue all allegations vigorously in court. “Our justice system cannot remain effective if aggressive behavior is permitted without consequence, particularly against individuals who express their faith or advocate for their beliefs,” he remarked.
This ongoing legal battle raises broader questions about the protection of individuals engaged in public discourse, particularly on sensitive topics such as abortion and religious beliefs. With this case now in the civil court system, attention remains focused on the implications for both those advocating for their beliefs and the responsibilities of law enforcement in protecting all citizens.