After a week of testimonies and a deadlocked jury, Mark Houck was found not guilty of violating the FACE Act. This comes after a horrifying scene in September 2022 when the FBI raided Mark’s home for violating federal law and causing trauma to his wife and seven children at his home.
In a press release from the St. Thomas More Society, Peter Breen stated that they are “thrilled by the outcome” of the blockbuster case.
“Mark and his family are now free of the cloud that the Biden administration threw upon them. We took on the Goliath – the full might of the United States government – and won. The jury saw through and rejected the prosecution’s discriminatory case, which was harassment from day one. The Biden Department of Justice’s intimidation against pro-life people and people of faith has been put in its place.”
Even Ashley Garecht, a spokeswoman for the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia, stated that pro-lifers, “rejoice and celebrate that Mark Houck has been found not guilty on all counts.”
“This case was always about a father’s right to protect his son, and never had anything to do with the FACE act,” she said. “We are grateful to the judge for his integrity, and to the jurors for their thoughtful deliberations. We are grateful to Mark’s attorneys who labored so diligently in his defense. And we are grateful for all of those who surrounded and supported Mark and his family in prayer through this challenging ordeal.”
“Most of all we praise and thank God for his protection and provision,” Garecht added. “To Him be all the glory.”
Defense attorney Brian McMonagle, who is working in tandem with the Thomas More Society, also told the jury during his Friday closing argument that Houck had “a right to be on that sidewalk” and argued that the case centers around the First Amendment.
Even McMonagle told the jury that the case was all about politics after waiting one year after the altercation occurred and was twice dismissed by the municipal court.
Even Fr. Frank Pavone celebrated the monumental victory.
“Congratulations, Mark, congratulations to the entire pro-life movement, congratulations to the St. Thomas More Society for the legal defense, Peter Breen, Tom Brejcha, and all our friends there,” Pavone said.
“Forward we go to more victories,” he added.
Indeed, let us march on to more victories.
Voices for Life 