2 DC AREA PRO-LIFE ACTIVISTS ASSAULTED OUTSIDE THE DC PLANNED PARENTHOOD

On the morning of Saturday July 21st a two DC area pro-life activists, Terrisa Bukovanic, the Founder and Executive Director of Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU) and Michael Gribbin were assaulted outside the DC Planned Parenthood.

Both Gribbin and Bukovanic frequently come to the DC Planned Parenthood to sidewalk counsel where they peacefully offer life affirming alternatives to women seeking abortions.

According to Bukovanic, the incident began when a woman approached her and threw coffee in her face and hair. When Gribbin went to grab the coffee cup her male partner assaulted him.

A video below of the altercation shows Gribbin being thrown to the ground and repeatedly punched by the woman's male partner. The video also shows Bukovanic getting slapped in the face by the woman who threw coffee at her.

Despite video evidence of the assault, the DC police have refused to press charges against either assailant.

Bukovanic stated "Even as a progressive anti-abortion atheist I understand that the abortion industrial complex is responsible for a mass genocide which will require immense bravery to dismantle. Pro-lifers must be committed to total non-violence to effectively challenge the institution of legal child killing around the globe"

Michael New, a Catholic University of America professor who helps coordinate pro-life sidewalk counseling efforts outside the DC Planned Parenthood issued the following statement:

"It is sad, but unsurprising that the DC police have refused to press charges on two individuals who assaulted 2 pro-life sidewalk counselors outside the DC Planned Parenthood. Pro-lifers have first amendment rights and no one should have to fear for their safety while sidewalk counseling. As someone who coordinates sidewalk counseling efforts outside the DC Planned Parenthood it is of paramount importance that our volunteers are safe. If Terrisa and Michael wish to file civil charges against their assailants, they would have my enthusiastic support."

This is not the first time that DC police have refused to press charges against individuals who have engaged in violence against peaceful pro-life activists

On August 31, 2019, Gribbin was chalking pro-life messages on the sidewalk outside the DC Planned Parenthood. Quinn Chasan who worked for Google stole Gribbin's chalk and threw it down the street. When confronted Chasan proceeded to assault Gribbin. Despite video evidence of the incident, the DC police refused to press charges.

Press contact:

Caroline Taylor Smith
Director of Public Relations
Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising
919-525-4431
press@paaunow.org