Pro-Life Activist Secures Major Settlement in Wrongful Arrest Case
A pro-life activist accused of assaulting a 72-year-old volunteer escort outside a Planned Parenthood clinic has been awarded a seven-figure settlement in a wrongful arrest lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice. Mark Houck, a Pennsylvania resident known for sidewalk counselling, was alleged by federal prosecutors to have shoved the volunteer on two separate occasions near the Planned Parenthood Elizabeth Blackwell Health Center in Philadelphia.
Details of the Alleged Incidents and Legal Proceedings
Both incidents reportedly occurred on October 13, 2021, with federal authorities claiming Houck violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. This legislation prohibits the use of force to intimidate or interfere with individuals seeking or providing reproductive health services. In September 2022, Houck was indicted under the FACE Act, facing severe penalties including up to 11 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fines reaching $350,000.
However, the case took a dramatic turn when Houck was acquitted of all charges in January 2023. Following this acquittal, he pursued a wrongful arrest lawsuit, alleging a "faulty investigation" and "excessive force" by the DOJ. Shawn Carney, president of the pro-life campaign 40 Days for Life, confirmed the settlement, stating that Houck's family received over a million dollars for the ordeal, which included a highly publicized raid on their home.
Contrasting Accounts of the Arrest and Legal Victory
Houck's wife, Ryan-Marie, described a tense arrest scenario in September 2022, claiming that 25 to 30 FBI agents with rifles confronted them at their home. In contrast, FBI Philadelphia issued a statement denying the use of SWAT teams, asserting that Houck was arrested without incident after being asked to exit his residence. The volunteer, identified only as "B.L.," reportedly sustained injuries requiring medical attention after being shoved to the ground during the incidents.
Carney hailed the settlement as a "huge legal victory for free speech," emphasizing the significance for pro-life advocates. The lawsuit, represented by the Institute of Law and Justice, highlighted claims of harassment by the volunteer towards Houck's son, who was praying with his father outside the clinic. The DOJ has not publicly commented on the settlement, and Planned Parenthood has been contacted for response but has yet to issue a statement.
