Pro-life Catholic father wins $1.1M in settlement with DOJ over wrongful arrest

Mark Houck, a Catholic father and pro-life advocate, has won more than $1 million after suing the Department of Justice (DOJ) over his wrongful arrest, which followed false claims that he violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.

Shawn Carney, president and CEO of 40 Days for Life, whose legal team represented Houck, called the settlement “a huge legal victory for free speech, not just for pro-life Americans, but for all Americans.”

As Zeale News previously reported, Houck and his wife sued the DOJ in 2024 for $4.3 million and argued the Biden administration used “excessive force” when several FBI agents arrested him at gunpoint at his Pennsylvania home in September 2022.

CatholicVote reported at the time that Houck was charged with allegedly violating the FACE Act after he stepped in to protect his 12-year-old son from a 72-year-old Planned Parenthood escort who was reportedly verbally harassing and intimidating him. He pushed the escort away from his son, causing the man to fall, but no major injuries were sustained.

A Pennsylvania jury acquitted Houck of all charges in 2023. Following the decision, Houck and his wife sued, alleging the stress of the arrest caused three miscarriages, an infertility diagnosis, and emotional distress, according to MS NOW. Catholic World Report added that the Houcks also alleged malicious and retaliatory prosecution, abuse of process, false arrest, and assault, as well as loss of reputation and employment opportunities.

After a district court dismissed the case in March 2025, Houck appealed to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, which ultimately led to the settlement.

Speaking in a video announcement, Carney said Houck’s case was a “very big, long shot,” adding that the acquittal itself was significant since the DOJ has a 98% conviction rate.

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