In a shocking turn of events, a pro-life activist assaulted by a Google employee is now being sued by his assailant. Last September, Michael Gribbin was writing pro-life messages in chalk on the sidewalk outside of a Planned Parenthood facility in Washington, D.C., when Quinn Chasan confronted him. Chasan first stole Gribbin’s chalk, and after Gribbin tried to prevent Chasan from leaving before police could arrive, Chasan violently attacked Gribbin.
According to the incident report, obtained by the Daily Caller, “V-1 [victim] called for Police assistance after he was punched and pushed by S-1 [suspect] after a heated argument turned physical in the 400 block of M street.” Gribbin said he was punched eight to 12 times, and was left with bruises on his head, leg, and torso.
The Washington Metropolitan Police declined to file charges against Chasan, so Gribbin filed a civil lawsuit against him. “I am pleased that Mike Gibbin is pursuing legal action,” Dr. Michael New, an associate scholar with the Charlotte Lozier Institute, said in a statement at the time. “Pro-life activists are not targets. No one should have to fear physical violence for espousing pro-life views in public. A ruling in Gribbin’s favor will make it clear that individuals who harm peaceful pro-life activists will be punished.”
But Chasan responded in an unexpected way — by counter-suing for $5 million.
In a new statement sent to Live Action News, New criticized Chasan for this decision to counter-sue his victim. “This is absurd. Michael Gribbin is a victim, not an assailant,” New said. “There is no way his actions after before, during, or after the assault caused Chasan $5 million in damages. Furthermore, any negative consequences incurred by Chasan are the direct result of his own misconduct. It is my hope that the judge dismisses Chasan’s countersuit as frivolous.”
According to LinkedIn, Chasan works at Google as the Head of Customer Analytics. Google has yet to respond to Chasan’s assault on an innocent man merely exercising his First Amendment right to free speech.
Pro-abortion violence has become shockingly common in recent years, with pro-lifers becoming victims of assault, vandalism, bomb threats, death threats, stabbings, and even death. Yet this violence is frequently ignored or excused, meaning it’s more important than ever for pro-lifers to exercise caution, and remain alert and on guard at all times.
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