Savannah Craven Antao, a conservative pro-life influencer, is speaking out after she says Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office mishandled her assault case and allowed it to be dismissed.
In an Instagram post and accompanying video, Antao recounted being attacked on April 3, 2025, while conducting street interviews on Planned Parenthood in Harlem.
The incident, captured on camera by her husband, shows the alleged assailant, identified as 26-year-old Breonna J. Rivers, striking Antao and celebrating afterward.
Rivers was initially arrested and charged with felony assault. But according to Antao, the charge was downgraded to a misdemeanor before prosecutors allowed the case to lapse.
“On July 23, 2025, I find out the prosecution simply allowed this misdemeanor to be dismissed on speedy trial grounds, apparently due to the prosecution’s failure to file a certificate of readiness,” Antao said. “I was never advised that my case had essentially been abandoned.”
Antao further alleged that her case was assigned to a law graduate not admitted to the New York bar, who handled proceedings under a student practice rule — a system usually reserved for minor offenses.
Her legal team, she says, has received no response to multiple messages, emails, and calls to the DA’s office.
The Thomas More Society, a nonprofit public interest law firm, criticized the handling of the case.
“Failing to prosecute these clear-cut charges sets a dangerous standard for how our society responds to violence against those engaging in democratic dialogue,” said Christopher Ferrara, Senior Counsel for the organization.
Antao, who says she incurred more than $3,000 in medical bills and lasting trauma from the attack, accused DA Bragg of undermining victims while protecting offenders.
“It is inconceivable that a violent assault case such as this, one that received widespread media attention, would be put into the hands of somebody not even admitted to the New York bar, who then allowed for the case to be dismissed,” she said. “Shame on you, Alvin Bragg.”
She explained that her fight is not about personal recognition but about accountability and safety for others who peacefully advocate for their beliefs.
“No one on either side of the aisle should experience physical violence for using their First Amendment right,” Antao said. “Justice will prevail. Violence will not win.”
