Mark Houck, a pro-life activist whose home was raided by the FBI in a heavily criticized operation, is appealing a federal judge's decision that halted his family's lawsuit against the Justice Department. The lawsuit centers on what Houck calls a "faulty investigation" and allegations of "excessive force" during his arrest in front of his children.

Having initially filed suit last year, Houck now pushes back against the dismissal issued by U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond, a Bush appointee, who abruptly ended the settlement talks between Houck and the Trump administration's Justice Department. Houck and his legal team have filed a Notice to Appeal with the Third District Court, aiming to resurrect their quest for justice.

In a video conversation shared with Fox News Digital, Houck expressed concern about the fear his family still lives with and called on the Trump administration to follow through on its promise to stop the DOJ’s apparent weaponization against pro-life advocates. "You live in fear of it happening again," Houck said, pointing out that while change is underway, there’s still work to be done.

40 Days for Life founder Shawn Carney, who supports Houck and spoke about the case, condemned what he deemed "activist judges" from both political sides interfering with the legal process. He called on the Justice Department to correct the mistakes made and expressed confidence in the strength of their pending appeal.

Houck’s ordeal began in 2021, when he was arrested for allegedly violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act during protests outside a Planned Parenthood clinic. Despite facing serious charges that could have led to 11 years in prison, a Philadelphia jury acquitted him in 2023. However, the aggressive FBI raid of his family home drew ire from pro-life circles and sparked ongoing legal battles.

The lawsuit accuses law enforcement of heavy-handed tactics and flawed procedures during the investigation and arrest. Representatives from the FBI and Department of Justice have not commented on the matter.

Carney also highlighted ongoing targeting of 40 Days for Life by the Biden DOJ, stressing the group’s commitment to free speech for all Americans, pro-life and pro-choice alike. "With 1,000,000 peaceful volunteers, we will always fight for free speech... God bless Trump and Vance for backing us up," he stated.

Despite setbacks, Houck and his allies are determined to keep fighting what they view as politicized legal harassment, hoping the new Trump administration will bring accountability and an end to these aggressive prosecutions.

Legal Appeals News

Pro-Life Dad Mark Houck Challenges Ruling by 'Activist' Judge After FBI Raid