Fresno, Calif., Oct 19, 2009 / 23:44 pm
A Latino pro-life advocate participating in the 40 Days for Life campaign outside a California abortion clinic was assaulted last Thursday by a pro-choice woman who cut his arm while going on an obscene tirade. Video of the attack has been posted on YouTube.
Victor Fierro, director of Latinos4Life, was outside the Planned Parenthood Mar Monte affiliate in Fresno, California when a woman passed by and shouted obscenities at him. She also called him a “fascist” who “hates women’s rights.”
According to audio of the off-camera incident posted on YouTube, one man chuckled in reply, saying “Thank you very much and God bless you.”
Soon after, the woman returned. She cut Fierro's arm with an unknown object, drawing blood, before returning to her car and fleeing the scene. The attacker’s face and license plate were captured on camera.
Asked by someone if these attacks happened often, a man replied, “That’s the first time this year.”
A police report was filed concerning the incident.
Right to Life of Central California (RLCC) condemned the attack and alleged there is a pattern of threats and intimidation against pro-life volunteers.
“We’re just trying to hold a peaceful prayer vigil out here. We’re law-abiding citizens, standing on a public sidewalk, with the full support of the Fresno Police Department, and yet several pro-abortion-choice people have been harassing us since day one. Now it’s turned physical,” said RLCC Education Director Josh Brahm.
RLCC said that another police report has been filed concerning another individual who has stolen signs and made threatening remarks.
Further, a man called the Fresno Right to Life office on Friday, trying to link the protesters with those who “go and shoot doctors.”
“Why don’t you just die,” he reportedly said, alongside several obscenities.
Brahm insisted that Fresno Right to Life has “a long and undeniable history of peaceful pro-life activism, which we will proudly continue even in the face of bullying and intimidation.”
RLCC charged that local media ignored the story of the assault. KMPH Fox 26 told Brahm that they would not cover the story because Fierro “wasn’t stabbed, just scratched.”
Uncensored video of the attack, which contains obscene language and gestures, is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoY1WSRbriA.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA