Alvin Bragg drops criminal charges against woman who punched pro-life activist during street interview

September 30, 2025

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has refused to pursue charges against a woman accused of violently attacking a pro-life activist earlier this year.

The Christian Post reports that 30-year-old Brianna J. Rivers was caught on video repeatedly punching pro-life activist Craven Antao in the face in New York City in April.

Antao was filming street interviews for the pro-life group Live Action at the time of the assault.

The attack left Antao with lacerations and required an emergency room visit that left her with $3,000 in medical expenses.

Police arrested Rivers after the video of her attack on Antao went viral but the case was dismissed in July after the District Attorney’s office failed to turn over evidence on time.

Bragg’s office also downgraded the original felony assault charge against Rivers to a misdemeanor, before dismissing the charges.

The Thomas More Society, which is representing Antao, told the Christian Post that Bragg’s office never reached out to their office and ignored their phone calls and emails.

A statement from the DA’s office to the New York Post stated that Bragg’s office committed an “unacceptable error” after the case was transferred to a different prosecutor.

Christopher Ferrara, senior counsel at the Thomas More Society, said in a statement, “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 added, “Failing to prosecute these clear-cut charges sets a dangerous standard for how our society responds to violence against those engaging in democratic dialogue.”

According to the Christian Post, the Thomas More Society plans to file a civil suit and seek damages on Craven Antao’s behalf.

Photo: top, Credit: Yuki Iwamura-Pool/Getty Images