Man found guilty of assault for attack of elderly pro-lifers

A Baltimore man has been found guilty on charges of assault and reckless endangerment for a violent attack on two elderly pro-lifers outside a Planned Parenthood facility — an incident that left one victim hospitalized with severe injuries.

On May 26, 2023, Patrick Brice confronted then-80-year-old Dick Schaefer outside the Planned Parenthood facility on North Howard Street in Baltimore, where Schaefer and others had gathered to pray and peacefully advocate for the lives of preborn children. Witnesses say the attack was unprovoked, with Brice growing aggressive before suddenly tackling Schaefer into a large flowerpot, knocking him unconscious.

When then 73-year-old Mark Crosby tried to intervene, Brice turned his violence on him — shoving him to the ground and repeatedly punching him in the face. Police released video footage showing Brice preparing to kick Crosby in the face before leaving him injured on the pavement. Shockingly, several Planned Parenthood escorts stood nearby and did nothing to stop the attack.

Crosby was rushed to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where doctors treated him for a shattered cheekbone, a broken orbital bone, temporary blindness in one eye, and severe head trauma. He remained hospitalized for three days and later required multiple surgeries. Schaefer sustained minor injuries but was left shaken by the brutality of the assault.

Despite the clear video evidence, Brice was not arrested until more than a year later. The American Center for Law and Justice worked with law enforcement to widely circulate Brice’s photo and video of the attack, urging the public to come forward with information. After a tip was received through Metro Crime Stoppers, authorities finally identified and arrested Brice in July 2024.

READ: How Roe’s reversal triggered the Biden-Harris DOJ’s persecution of peaceful pro-lifers

Standing 6’5” and weighing 200 pounds, 28-year-old Brice was charged with multiple counts of assault, including first-degree assault and a charge for attacking an elderly person.

During his February 2025 trial, Brice admitted to attacking Schaefer and Crosby but argued he had not intended to cause serious harm, The Baltimore Banner reported. Prosecutors rejected this claim, emphasizing the unprovoked nature of the attack and the severity of Crosby’s injuries. Assistant State’s Attorney Ashley Sudberry argued that Brice’s actions were intentional and that the victims suffered simply because they stood for the sanctity of life.

On February 8, 2025, Brice was found guilty of second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. The ACLJ stated that each second-degree assault charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, and if the judge decides to impose consecutive sentences, Brice could face up to 20 years behind bars. 

“This case sends a resounding message: Violence against peaceful pro-life advocates will not be tolerated,” the ACLJ said in a statement online. “The right to peacefully assemble and advocate for the unborn is fundamental and must be protected – lives depend upon it.”

They added, “After nearly two years of fighting for justice, this is a tremendous victory. The ACLJ will continue to stand vigilant in defense of life and constitutional freedoms.”

Sadly, the ACLJ has seen a rise in violence against pro-life advocates and pregnancy resource centers since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. But this has not deterred pro-lifers.

Despite the attack, Schaefer and Crosby refused to be intimidated. In the months following the assault, both men returned to their peaceful advocacy outside the Planned Parenthood business, continuing to pray and offer resources to women in need, The Washington Times reported. Their courage has inspired many in the pro-life movement, with supporters calling for stronger protection for sidewalk counselors and demonstrators exercising their First Amendment rights.

Brice is scheduled for sentencing on March 20.