Pro-Life Activist Assault Case Dismissed After Blue State DA’s Office Misses Key Deadline

A woman caught on video sucker-punching a pro-life activist during a street interview in New York City will not face criminal prosecution after Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office failed to meet a critical legal deadline, resulting in the case’s dismissal.

BREAKING – DA Alvin Bragg’s office has dismissed charges against Brianna J. Rivers, who assaulted pro-life advocate Savannah Craven Antao on camera in April, allowing the felony to be downgraded to a misdemeanor and then dropped entirely. pic.twitter.com/pSbmVzPZSC

— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) September 25, 2025

The alleged attacker, Brianna Rivers, 30, of the Bronx, was charged with second-degree assault after the April incident involving Savannah Craven Antao, a pro-life journalist affiliated with the organization Live Action. But according to the Thomas More Society, which is representing Craven Antao, the charges were dropped in July because Bragg’s office missed the court’s discovery deadline—a legal requirement to turn over evidence to the defense.

Viral Video, Visible Violence

The confrontation, captured on video by Antao’s husband, showed Rivers becoming increasingly agitated during the filmed street interview. Without warning, she delivered two punches to Antao’s face, sending the activist reeling out of frame. Antao was left cut, bloodied, and requiring stitches. The Thomas More Society said the incident resulted in $3,000 in medical bills.

After the assault, Rivers walked away from the scene with both middle fingers raised.

District Attorney Apologizes, Blames Internal Misstep

A spokesperson for DA Bragg’s office acknowledged the error and issued a public apology.

“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,” the office said. “We are taking immediate internal steps in light of this case.”

The DA’s office claimed the error occurred after the case was reassigned to a different prosecutor, and cited the incident as an example of why Bragg has been pushing for changes to New York’s discovery laws, which currently impose tight deadlines for evidence sharing.

However, critics say the mistake underscores a broader pattern of prosecutorial negligence and political bias in high-profile cases.

Legal Group: “Dangerous Standard” Being Set

The Thomas More Society plans to pursue a civil lawsuit against Rivers. Senior counsel Christopher Ferrara condemned the DA’s office for failing to carry out justice.

“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,” Ferrara said.

“Failing to prosecute these clear-cut charges sets a dangerous standard for how our society responds to violence against those engaging in democratic dialogue.”

Alleged Attacker Responds on Facebook

Rivers accused Antao of antagonizing her, claiming the activist incited the confrontation.

“To Savannah, I sincerely apologize but cannot sit around and allow you to continue pushing this one-sided narrative,” Rivers wrote in a Facebook post. “I understand hands being put on someone is never the answer, but throwing rocks and hiding hands is worse.”

She continued, “Savannah is a professional antagonist, not a ‘reporter,’ and the truth will be told.”

Live Action and supporters of Craven Antao have disputed those claims, pointing out that the full altercation was captured on video, and that no physical provocation preceded the attack.

The incident — and now its dismissal — comes amid growing concern over political violence, particularly targeting conservative activists.

As for Rivers, she currently faces no criminal accountability for the attack, despite the viral video and initial charges.

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