Pro-Life Activist Mark Houck Challenges Judge’s Decision in Ongoing Legal Battle with DOJ

Pro-Life Activist Mark Houck Challenges Judge’s Decision in Ongoing Legal Battle with DOJ

FIRST ON FOX—Pro-life activist Mark Houck is at the forefront of a critical legal battle following an FBI raid on his home. Houck, who previously filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department, claims that his family has faced significant hurdles due to an ‘activist’ federal judge obstructing their case.

Last year, Houck took legal action against the Justice Department. He seeks restitution for what he describes as a ‘faulty investigation’ and ‘excessive force’ during a dramatic arrest involving a SWAT team of approximately 25 agents, all occurring in front of his children.

Currently, Houck is appealing the ruling made by U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond to the Third District Court. He has called upon the Trump administration to take decisive measures against the supposed weaponization of the Department of Justice towards pro-life advocates like himself. In a recent video interview with his wife and 40 Days for Life founder Shawn Carney, Houck shared his thoughts on the situation.

In the video, he remarked, “You live in fear of it happening again, not only for yourselves but for others. You want assurance from this administration, which rode this message to the White House, that they are willing to intervene.” Houck also expressed a desire for the government to address broader issues within law enforcement.

Shawn Carney echoed Houck’s sentiments in his interview with Fox News Digital, stating, “Regardless of political affiliation, we are all weary of activist judges. Nobody benefits from this situation; this man is simply a victim here.” He urged the Justice Department to reassess their actions regarding this case.

In a notable development, 40 Days for Life is moving forward with an appeal on behalf of Houck, having previously filed a Notice to Appeal with the courts to contest the judge’s decision. The case’s background involves settlement negotiations that were initiated with the Justice Department earlier in 2025, which took a turn following Trump’s inauguration.

Judge’s Motion to Dismiss

Judge Diamond’s abrupt motion to dismiss the case last month effectively halted the settlement negotiations between Houck and the Trump-associated Justice Department. Importantly, this motion appears to have been initiated by the Biden administration, which charged Houck in 2021 under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances, also known as the FACE Act.

In their video discussion, Carney and Houck reflected on the implications of the judge’s ruling alongside ongoing concerns about law enforcement practices. Both expressed hope regarding changes they wish to see in the priorities of a potential second Trump administration.

Houck voiced his disappointment regarding the judge’s ruling, asserting that it casts a negative light on the Trump administration. Carney criticized Judge Diamond, labeling him an ‘activist’ with evident political biases. Nonetheless, he remains hopeful that the Trump administration will ultimately rectify the situation.

Looking Ahead

Carney confidently stated, “We are appealing the judge’s decision to continue the lawsuit against the DOJ, and if we can get back on track, we anticipate being able to reach a settlement since they appear willing to do so.” He expressed optimism about their upcoming appeal, saying, “We have a very robust case, and our confidence in its success is high.”

Requests for comments from the FBI and the Department of Justice have not been acknowledged. The raid on Houck’s home back in 2021 was part of a much larger indictment to enforce the FACE Act, which he allegedly violated while peacefully protesting outside a Planned Parenthood clinic.

Despite the challenges he faced during his legal journey, a Philadelphia jury later acquitted Houck, who previously risked facing up to eleven years in prison. The high-profile nature of his arrest and the substantial sentence he could have endured ignited outrage among pro-life organizations, particularly 40 Days for Life, an organization Houck has been volunteering with since 2007.

State of the Pro-Life Movement

After Houck’s acquittal, 40 Days for Life collaborated with him to sue the Justice Department, contending that their actions amounted to a ‘faulty investigation’ and the use of ‘excessive force’ during the FBI’s aggressive raid on his residence. Carney previously highlighted the relentless targeting of 40 Days for Life by the Biden administration, emphasizing their commitment to advocating for the free speech rights of pro-life and pro-abortion supporters alike.

He affirmed the organization’s determination, stating, “With a million peaceful volunteers, we will always fight for the right to free speech for all individuals, regardless of their stance on abortion. We are grateful for the support from Trump and Vance in this endeavor.”

A Call for Justice

Houck’s ongoing legal journey underscores broader issues regarding judicial impartiality and the handling of pro-life advocacy. As the appeal proceeds, many await the outcomes that could redefine the landscape of pro-life activism and the justice that marks its pursuit.