
Acquitted Pro-Life Activist Mark Houck Reveals Details of ‘Reckless’ FBI Raid and Says He Will Press Charges
The father of seven plans to sue the FBI and other authorities following his ordeal.
The father of seven plans to sue the FBI and other authorities following his ordeal.
Many people online expressed excitement about the win along with concerns about the power of the Department of Justice.
Houck was doing sidewalk counseling outside the facility at the time of the 2021 incident in connection with his work with The King’s Men, a national men’s faith formation apostolate he runs.
Defense lawyers for Houck could not comment on the reason for the replacement.
The judge sent the jury home with instructions to return to court and resume their deliberations Monday morning.
The defense argued Thursday that Love was saying degrading things to Houck’s son during the exchange, an accusation that Love denies.
The prosecution and defense gave fiery opening statements. The defense argued that the charges against Houck should never have made it to federal court.
Opening statements begin Wednesday, but about 50 supporters gathered in front of the federal courthouse in Philadelphia on Tuesday to rally for Houck’s acquittal. Others joined Houck and his wife at Eucharistic adoration on Monday.
Houck has pleaded not guilty to two alleged violations of the act, which stem from an altercation that took place outside a Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Philadelphia on Oct. 13, 2021.
The more than 30-page motion alleges that the government violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment in its prosecution of Houck.
Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? Renew or manage your subscription here.
SubscribeStart your Register subscription today.
Subscribe NowSign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription.
Order NowGive a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register.
Order NowOrder Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization or school.
Order NowSign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox.
Sign Up