Bevelyn Beatty Williams

Williams, a Tennessee-based anti-abortion activist, was convicted after a nine-day jury trial on February 22, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon in the Southern District of New York. She was found guilty of one count of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (18 U.S.C. § 248), which prohibits the use of force, threat of force, or physical obstruction to prevent individuals from obtaining or providing reproductive health services. On June 19 and 20, 2020, Williams used physical force and threats against patients and staff at a Planned Parenthood clinic in lower Manhattan, repeatedly blocked clinic doors to prevent access, and crushed a staff member's hand in the clinic door. Prosecutors also presented evidence of a broader campaign from at least 2019 through 2022 in which Williams engaged in similar intimidation and interference at reproductive health clinics across multiple states, including Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, and Brooklyn. She was among approximately 23 pro-life activists pardoned by Trump on January 23, 2025 — his fourth day in office.