Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has dismissed charges against a woman accused of striking a pro-life activist during a street interview, citing a missed discovery deadline.

The incident took place in April 2024, when 30-year-old Brianna Rivers was recorded on video punching Savannah Craven Antao, who was conducting an interview for the pro-life organization Live Action.

Rivers was charged with second-degree assault, but prosecutors dropped the case in July after failing to turn over required evidence to the defense within the allotted time.

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The Thomas More Society, a nonprofit public interest law firm, announced plans to pursue a civil lawsuit against Rivers on behalf of Craven Antao.

According to the group, the activist required emergency room care, stitches, and incurred approximately $3,000 in medical expenses following the attack.

BREAKING: Alvin Bragg just DROPS all charges against Brianna J. Rivers — who was caught on camera ASSAULTING pro-life advocate Savannah Craven Antao.

Felony ➝ Misdemeanor ➝ NOTHING.

Two-tier justice system EXPOSED. pic.twitter.com/XVBxoflVks

— Eagle Wings (@CRRJA5) September 26, 2025

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In a statement, Thomas More Society senior counsel Christopher Ferrara criticized the district attorney’s handling of the case.

“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.”

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office attributed the dismissal to what it described as a reassignment error.

A spokesperson told Fox News, “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 spokesperson added, “We are taking immediate internal steps in light of this case.”

The video of the assault spread widely on social media, showing Rivers suddenly striking Craven Antao during an on-camera interview.

The footage shows Craven Antao being hit in the face, leaving her bloodied and in need of medical treatment.

NEW: Pro-life advocate Savannah Craven Antao says charges against the woman who brutally assaulted her on camera have been dismissed by DA Alvin Bragg’s office.

Craven Antao was assaulted back in April while conducting a street interview in NYC.

“Brianna J. Rivers was arrested… pic.twitter.com/BhgDJnwUzl

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 25, 2025

Following the incident, Rivers took to Facebook to defend her actions, while issuing what she called an apology.

“To Savannah, I sincerely apologize but cannot sit around and allow you to continue pushing this one sided narrative,” she wrote.

“I understand hands being put on someone is never the answer, but throwing rocks and hiding hands is worse. 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.”

Bragg’s office has not said whether the case could be reopened but indicated the dismissal is final.

The failure to pursue the criminal charges has fueled criticism of the Manhattan District Attorney, who has faced scrutiny over prosecutorial priorities and case management.

Meanwhile, the Thomas More Society confirmed its intent to move forward with a civil case against Rivers.

The group maintains that Craven Antao was engaging in protected First Amendment activity when she was assaulted. Legal filings are expected in the coming weeks.

The case has drawn national attention due to the viral nature of the video and the involvement of a high-profile pro-life activist.

With the criminal charges dropped, further accountability may rest on the outcome of the planned civil lawsuit.

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