Elderly pro-life advocates brutally assaulted in Baltimore, suspect still at large

Two elderly pro-life supporters were brutally assaulted near a Planned Parenthood in Maryland last month while offering prayers and encouragement to women considering an abortion.

Dick Schaefer, 80, and Mark Crosby, 73, were “offering love and hope to women intent on aborting their children” on May 26 when they were assaulted, said friend and pro-life advocate Jody Ward on Facebook.

“Dick, and Mark Crosby were on the sidewalk outside Planned Parenthood in Baltimore City, offering love and hope to women intent on aborting their children,” Ward explained in her post. “An angry man walked up to a ‘clinic escort’ and asked her to hold his drink. Then, as Dick’s back was turned, he lifted Dick off the ground and threw him into the plate glass window. Dick fell, knocking over a large planter and striking his head, losing consciousness temporarily.” 

When Crosby came to his friend’s aid, he was also assaulted, Ward reported.  

“The attacker then turned on Mark, punching him in the face. Mark fell to the ground. The assailant then kicked Mark in the head,” her post continued. 

The CEO of Planned Parenthood Maryland, Karen Nelson, released a statement shortly afterwards calling the attack “unfortunate.” 

“Planned Parenthood does not condone any violence and I think it’s unfortunate that there was an incident that occurred outside of our health center,” Nelson told local media. 

However, there is no indication in the surveillance video or from eyewitness reports that anyone from Planned Parenthood came to the men’s aid. 

The “vicious” attack left Crosby with multiple broken bones in his face, which will require at least three surgeries to correct. Schaefer reportedly sustained hand, shoulder and back injuries. 

“It is important to note the two victims were not robbed. This was a vicious attack on two men because they were pro-life,” read a May 30 statement released by Dr. Jay Walton, president of Baltimore County Right to Life.  

“This should be treated as a hate crime and should be denounced by Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) as well as Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D). Their silence on this attack will continue to put pro-lifers in danger throughout the state of Maryland,” Walton continued.  

Although the assault was caught on surveillance video, the Baltimore City Police Department says it’s still trying to identify the person who attacked the men from behind, the Christian Post reports. 

The assailant was described as a white male in his 20s with brown hair, a full beard and wearing a gray T-shirt and blue jeans. 

Walton also claimed that eyewitnesses, including several Planned Parenthood escorts, have hindered the police investigation. 

“A police report has not yet been filed because nobody is willing to identify the man who attacked Mr. Crosby and Mr. Schaefer,” Walton said. “There were several Planned Parenthood escorts present who stood by and did nothing during the attack.”  

Violence against pro-life organizations and individuals has been on the rise since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year.  

As previously reported by The Lion, arson and vandalism have plagued pro-life centers in multiple states such as Florida, Virginia, West Virginia, New York, Indiana, Washington, Oregon, New Orleans, California, Colorado and Texas.   

Graffiti has included such grim phrases as “this won’t stop,” “we’re coming for you,” “Abortion 4 All,” “Jane’s Revenge,” “we are everywhere,” and “if abortion aint safe you aint safe,” as well as anarchist symbols. 

An 83-year-old Michigan woman was even shot just for handing out pamphlets for Right to Life Michigan.