11.04.2025 15:11
The New York Police Department announced the arrest of 30-year-old Brianna J. Rivers, who punched an anti-abortion activist during a street interview. The incident occurred while Rivers was conducting an interview and asking questions about abortion and Planned Parenthood. During the altercation, Rivers threw several punches at Antao's face and then fled the scene. It was reported that Antao was bleeding from the face and chest after the attack, and the injuries required stitches.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) announced that a woman who punched an anti-abortion activist during a street interview has been arrested. 30-year-old Brianna J. Rivers was taken into custody on charges of second-degree assault due to the attack that occurred last week in Harlem and was captured on camera.
The victim of the incident, 23-year-old Savannah Craven Antao, was conducting street interviews on abortion and is a member of an anti-abortion group called "Live Action." After the arrest, Antao posted on Instagram, "I heard the news that Detective Brianna Rivers was arrested! God is great!"
The incident occurred during an interview in which Antao was asking Rivers questions about abortion and Planned Parenthood. The footage shows a heated discussion escalating between the two women.
At one point in the argument, Rivers said, "You don't understand the struggles of having a child," to which Antao responded, "I do not condone the killing of children in protective care and those who are abused." Following these words, Rivers suddenly punched Antao in the face several times and left the scene.
After the attack, it was reported that blood was flowing from Antao's face and chest, and her injuries required stitches. Antao's husband had recorded the entire incident on camera.
Rivers later issued a statement on Facebook apologizing to Antao but claimed she was provoked into the attack: "I apologize to Savannah, but I cannot allow this one-sided narrative to continue. I know it is never right to raise a hand to someone, but throwing stones and hiding your hand is worse."
Rivers stated, "Savannah is a professional provocateur, not a reporter," arguing that Antao should release the full footage of the interview. However, Antao had already shared all the footage of the interview.
Rivers, who has raised about $8,700 in a fundraising campaign to hire a defense attorney, appeared in court on Thursday. Neither Rivers nor Antao responded to requests for comments from media outlets.