Statement Of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On The Conviction Of A Tennessee Individual For Violating The Freedom Of Access To Clinic Entrances Act

“As a unanimous jury found moments ago, Bevelyn Beatty Williams unlawfully interfered with patients seeking, and medical professionals providing, reproductive health services at a Manhattan health clinic.  Over two days in June 2020, the defendant used threats and physical force and repeatedly blocked doors to prevent individuals from gaining access to the health clinic.  Williams went so far as to crush a staff member’s hand in the clinic door as the staff member was attempting to open the door.  Regardless of one’s personal views, bullying and depriving other citizens of their right to healthcare is not a legitimate form of protest, and I’m proud of the career prosecutors of the Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division for enforcing our nation’s laws — without fear or favor — in this case.”