A New York woman accused of punching a pro-life activist during a street interview has had her case dismissed after prosecutors failed to meet a key filing deadline. Attorneys for the victim say they now plan to pursue civil action.
The incident happened in April when 30-year-old Brianna Rivers of the Bronx allegedly struck Savannah Craven Antao, a reporter for the pro-life group Live Action, during an on-camera interview in Manhattan. Rivers faced second-degree assault charges, but Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office dropped the case in July after missing the deadline to turn over required evidence.
The Thomas More Society, a Chicago-based public interest law firm representing Antao, criticized the dismissal. Senior counsel Christopher Ferrara said the move undermines public trust and sends a troubling message about accountability in politically charged cases. Antao reportedly needed stitches and racked up $3,000 in medical bills after the attack, which was caught on video by her husband.
The video shows Rivers halting mid-conversation before striking Antao twice in the face and then walking away with both middle fingers raised. The DA’s office has since apologized, admitting to what it called an “unacceptable error” and promising internal reforms.
Rivers, who later defended herself in a Facebook post, accused Antao of provoking the altercation. She offered an apology but claimed the footage does not show the full story, describing Antao as a “professional antagonist.”
The Thomas More Society says it will move forward with a civil lawsuit on behalf of Antao.
