Two pro-lifers assaulted outside Planned Parenthood

UPDATE, 7/26/23: The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. is now investigating the assault on Terrisa Bukovinac and Michael Gribbin, according to the Catholic News Agency. Originally, officers who responded to the scene told Bukovinac charges wouldn’t be pressed, because the the confrontation was “mutual.”

Now, however, Bukovinac said the outcry online pushed them to open an investigation. A police spokesperson confirmed that an investigation was ongoing, while Bukovinac said she and Gribbin were contacted by detectives, who said they were investigating, and that there would be “consequences.”

7/23/23:

Two pro-life activists were allegedly assaulted this weekend outside of the Washington D.C. Planned Parenthood where they were offering life-affirming options for women considering abortion.

According to a press release from Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU), Terrisa Bukovinac and Michael Gribbin frequently act as sidewalk counselors outside the Planned Parenthood facility. While there, a woman approached Bukovinac and threw coffee in her face and hair. When Gribbin attempted to grab the coffee cup, the woman’s male companion assaulted him.

A video of the alleged incident shows Gribbin being thrown to the ground and punched repeatedly by the male assailant. It also shows the female assailant slapping Bukovinac in the face. “Despite video evidence of the assault, the DC police have refused to press charges against either assailant,” said PAAU.

Warning: Video contains foul language

“Evan 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,” said Bukovinac. “Pro-lifers must be committed to total non-violence to effectively challenge the institution of legal child killing around the globe.”

According to PAAU, this is not the first time that the Washington D.C. police have refused to press charges against individuals who assault peaceful pro-life activists. In August of 2019, Gribbin was writing pro-life sidewalk chalk messages on the sidewalk outside of the same Planned Parenthood when Quinn Chasan, who worked for Google, stole Gribbin’s chalk and threw it down the street. He then assaulted Gribbin after Gribbin confronted him for taking the chalk. There is video evidence of this assault as well, but the police did not press charges.

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“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,” said Dr. Michael New, a Catholic University of America professor. “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.”