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Clifton Powell thought July 30 would be just another day encouraging women outside a Denver-based Planned Parenthood to choose life. Instead, he was yelled at, threatened, and attacked by a stranger. The American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ) is now representing Powell in a lawsuit against the assailant. The longtime pro-life sidewalk counselor was standing with his fellow pro-life volunteers when a man leaving Planned Parenthood pulled his car up to the group. He rolled down his window, blared music, and started shouting obscenities at them, telling them to “leave right now,” according to the ACLJ.The assailant exited his car and demanded that one of the women give him some of the group’s literature. After she handed it to him, the man allegedly threw it into the street, and the woman began to back away from him. At this point, Powell tried to de-escalate the situation.The man then allegedly ripped Powell’s pro-life sign away and shoved Powell to the ground. He continued yelling, got in his car, and sped away from the scene.Powell initially thought the shove had not done much damage, but he began to experience serious pain soon after the incident. During a trip to the emergency room, doctors found that Powell had sustained a large contusion on his hip and side.The pro-life group contacted the police and gave the license plate number of the assailant’s car. Powell later positively identified the man who shoved him from a photo lineup. The police have since issued a warrant for his arrest.The ACLJ, a nonprofit legal advocacy group, has taken on Powell’s case. “We are actively engaged in the legal process and will pursue every avenue to hold the perpetrator accountable,” the ACLJ said. “This case underscores why the ACLJ exists. We are committed to defending life and liberty – and those who advocate for both – in the courts, in legislatures, and in the public square.”Powell, who is in his late 60s, has been engaged in pro-life sidewalk counseling for years. In that time, he has helped save the lives of many children.“Almost every day we see turnarounds,” Powell said in 2022 speaking to The Pillar about helping mothers choose life, adding that he believes it is “a commandment from God to speak out for these babies.” >> ‘Pro-life Hero’ Remembered for His Fidelity to Call as Sidewalk Counselor <<
