Pro-life activist Mark Houck, a devoted Catholic father of seven, and his wife have filed a lawsuit against the Biden Department of Justice (DOJ) over what they describe as a “shocking” arrest that occurred at their Pennsylvania home last year. The arrest, conducted by an estimated 20 armed FBI agents, took place in front of Houck’s children and was related to an incident at a Planned Parenthood abortion facility in 2021 involving his then-12-year-old son.
Houck, who leads a nonprofit organization providing sidewalk counseling at abortion clinics in Philadelphia, faced serious charges under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which could have resulted in 11 years behind bars and fines up to $350,000. The family contends that Houck was defending his son from a harassing pro-abortion activist during the incident in question.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Houck was acquitted in January, prompting the family to pursue legal action against the DOJ. In a lawsuit filed on Monday, Houck is seeking $1.1 million in damages for malicious prosecution, retaliatory prosecution, false arrest, abuse of process, and assault. The suit alleges that the arrest was an “unnecessary and unlawful show of force” and a violation of Houck’s Fourth Amendment rights, citing the use of “excessive force” for non-violent charges.
Pro-Life Advocate Mark Houck Sues Joe Biden for $4.3 Million for Bogus FBI Raid on His Family https://t.co/r0rLw8J5FD pic.twitter.com/pevzkkyC2A
— LifeNews.com (@LifeNewsHQ) November 9, 2023
Ryan-Marie Houck, Mark’s wife, is seeking $3.25 million in damages. The complaint highlights the severe emotional toll the arrest has taken on her, leading to stress, PTSD, and infertility due to numerous miscarriages. The lawsuit further describes the emotional distress faced by Mrs. Houck in caring for their seven children, who continue to grapple with trauma and nightmares in the aftermath of the arrest.
The incident has gained attention not only for its legal implications but also due to a fundraising account on the GiveSendGo platform, where supporters detailed the events leading to the arrest. The account alleges that Mark and his son were praying outside a Planned Parenthood facility, and when confronted by a pro-abortion activist, Mark pushed the individual away in defense of his son.
