The Maryland Circuit Court for Baltimore City recently delivered a verdict that raises serious questions about the integrity of our judicial system, particularly in pro-abortion states. In a shocking decision, Patrick Brice was found not guilty of felony assault against pro-life advocates Dick Schaefer and Mark Crosby, despite overwhelming evidence of his brutal attack on May 26, 2023.
Details of the Assault
Brice’s attorney did not dispute his guilt in the assault against two elderly men who were peacefully praying outside a Planned Parenthood facility on North Howard Street in Baltimore. The assault left Schaefer unconscious and Crosby with multiple fractured facial bones and temporary blindness. On February 6, 2023, Brice was found guilty on two counts of misdemeanor second-degree assault and endangerment, but the jury could not reach a unanimous decision on a felony charge for the more serious assault against Crosby. This led to a retrial scheduled for June 23.
Judge's Controversial Ruling
In the retrial, Judge Yvette Bryant ruled that Brice was not guilty of first-degree assault against Crosby, maintaining only the misdemeanor charges. This decision is troubling and highlights concerns regarding judicial oversight in Maryland. As noted by Laura Bogley, Executive Director of Maryland Right to Life, “The State of Maryland continues to blatantly discriminate against pro-life speech.” It is alarming that a violent act against peaceful advocates is treated with such leniency.
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Failure to Charge as a Hate Crime
The Baltimore City prosecutor's office also shares blame for the lack of appropriate charges. They refused to categorize Brice’s actions as a hate crime, despite the undeniable motivation behind his violent attack. Bogley stated, “This was a violent hate crime and an attack on Catholics and religious freedom everywhere.” The failure to invoke the FACE Act protections, designed to safeguard both abortion workers and pro-life advocates, further illustrates a systemic bias against pro-life activism.
Calls for Accountability
Maryland Right to Life has taken proactive measures by urging Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to oversee the Circuit Court’s actions. Their advocacy campaign is critical in shedding light on the need for accountability within a judicial system that appears to favor anti-life sentiments. The silence from Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott in condemning the violence against pro-life advocates is alarming. Their inaction may be interpreted as tacit approval of hate crimes against Catholics and an infringement on free speech and religious liberty.
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Pro-Life Advocates Stand Strong
Despite this disappointing verdict, Schaefer and Crosby remain undeterred in their commitment to the pro-life cause. Crosby emphasized the importance of continued activism, stating, “If Jesus asked what we were doing to save the babies, real action is necessary.” Their resilience in the face of violence serves as a rallying cry for more individuals to join them in advocating for the unborn. The pro-life movement’s strength lies in its ability to persist against adversity, turning even setbacks into opportunities for growth.
Every attempt to silence pro-lifers through violence will only galvanize their resolve. The consistent assaults on free speech and the exercise of religious beliefs cannot be tolerated. As the pro-life movement marches forward, it does so with the conviction that every life is valuable, and that their fight for justice will continue, undeterred by the actions of a biased judiciary.
