The law firm representing Savannah Craven Antao, a pro-life influencer who was assaulted in April while taping an interview for LiveAction in New York City, has asked the Manhattan District Attorney’s office to pursue a trial under felony charges despite missing the misdemeanor deadline.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office chose to charge Brianna Rivers, the woman who was caught on camera assaulting Craven Antao, with a misdemeanor and didn’t meet a discovery deadline, which led to the charge being dismissed, according to a press release from the law firm, Thomas More Society (TMS).
However, the speedy trial deadline for felonies is six months from the defendant’s first appearance, which was April 10, TMS Senior Counsel Christopher Ferrara and Special Counsel Dennis Ring wrote in a letter to the office’s chief assistant, Meg Reiss.
“Thus, your office would appear to have at least until October 10, 2025 to bring a charge of second degree felony assault under Penal Law § 120.05,” the letter said. “Further, your office should also bring a pendent hate crime charge under Penal Law 485.05, given that video evidence reveals that the defendant made disparaging remarks about Ms. Craven Antao’s Christian beliefs and practices before brutally assaulting her.”
Ferrara and Ring asked Reiss to immediately inform them whether the office would pursue those charges by the deadline for felonies.
In the release, Ferrara said pursuing the charges would be an opportunity for Bragg to show the office’s remorse “for putting Savannah, and every woman witnessing her faith in New York, at risk.”
“Or is Bragg just sorry because his bungled case is now making national headlines?” Ferrara said.
The release said that TMS attorneys have been unable to successfully contact Bragg’s office on Craven Antao’s behalf.
“It wasn’t until the failed prosecution made national headlines that Manhattan DA’s office decided to contact Savannah and extend an apology,” the release said.
TMS announced in a Sept. 24 press release that its attorneys will file a civil suit against Rivers and seek damages. According to the release, Rivers’ attack on Craven Antao caused a laceration and Craven Antao received stitches and $3,000 in medical bills.
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