The attacker who left a pro-life activist bloodied during a street interview in New York City has been arrested.
New York police arrested Brianna J. Rivers, 30, on Thursday on one count of second-degree assault after she sucker punched activist Savannah Craven Antao during a street interview on abortion last week.
“Just got word from detectives Brianna J Rivers was arrested! God is good!,” Craven Antao wrote in an Instagram post.
The attack was caught on camera as Craven Antao asked Rivers questions about abortion on behalf of the pro-life organization Live Action.
In a clip of the incident, the attacker tells Craven Antao, “You don’t understand the magnitude of having a child.”
“I’m not the one who admitted they would be OK with killing babies in foster care and killing children that had been abused,” Craven Antao said.
“That’s not the point,” Rivers replied before punching Craven Antao in the face twice, sending her off camera as the attacker walked away.
“I was just assaulted in Harlem interviewing people on the street. In cop car. Heading to hospital. Updates soon. ABORTION SUPPORTERS ARE VIOLENT!” Craven Antao wrote in an Instagram post featuring photos of her bloodied face.
She was transported by police to a local hospital. She reportedly suffered two cuts that required several stitches.
Craven Antao’s husband, Henry Antao, told Live Action, “The woman became aggressive and violent upon learning Savannah’s pro-life stance. I intervened to protect my wife and we immediately called 911. The police arrived, and we provided them with the assailant’s photo and description. We hope justice will be served soon.”
Live Action president and founder Lila Rose said the group would not be intimidated by the incident.
“We are deeply grateful for the work Savannah has done to protect preborn children and help end abortion in our nation,” she said. “Her bravery in the face of violence is heroic. We are grateful she is safe and receiving support. No one should ever face physical assault for expressing their views in public.”
“We will not be intimidated. Live Action will continue our goal to defund Planned Parenthood – which kills over 1,000 children every day while receiving more than $700 million in taxpayer funding. We remain committed to our mission to completely abolish abortion and ensure every child is protected under the law.”
Rivers, for her part, claimed she was provoked by Craven Antao.
“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,” Rivers wrote on Facebook.
“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,” she added.