According to a report by Fox News, Army veteran Jeff Gray was arrested while standing in front of Alpharetta City Hall. Gray filed two lawsuits on Tuesday alleging his rights under the First Amendment to speak freely were violated.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) attorney Adam Steinbaugh has taken on Jeff’s case. Steinbaugh told Fox News Digital, “If the First Amendment means anything, it must mean that you can hold a sign in front of city hall without being handcuffed.” “We look forward to vindicating Jeff’s rights and reinforcing the rights of all.”
The lawsuits filed by Steinbaugh on Gray’s behalf include suing the City of Alpharetta, two of its officers, and the police chief of the city of Blackshear. The lawsuits are for repeated detainment and search and arrest.
February 05, 2023
According to a report from FIRE, Gray said, “I have been harassed, trespassed, handcuffed, and arrested countless times for peacefully exercising my First Amendment rights.” “My intention is to ensure that all Americans, from the wealthiest millionaire to the poorest homeless person, can exercise these rights without fear of consequence from our government.”
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When the incident occurred in January 2022, while Gray stood on the public sidewalk outside city hall holding the sign, police told Gray the action was a form of illegal “panhandling,” according to FIRE. Gray used his camera to document the encounter with the police.
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The police reportedly seized the video camera, asked Gray for his identification, searched him, then banned him from the area. FIRE alleges this violates Gray’s First Amendment rights to film law enforcement personnel in public places, to express himself in a public place, and to speak without being compelled to provide identification. FIRE also reports that police officers threatened to arrest Gray if he refused to stop.
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Steinbaugh said, “If this is how Alpharetta police treat a guy with a camera, how do they act the rest of the time?” “The First Amendment protects the right to hold up a sign - and it certainly protects the right to film police activity in a public space.”
FIRE attorney said, “Speaking out in public areas is a core First Amendment right, whether government officials recognize it or not. If our cities won’t teach officers to do their job properly, FIRE will.”
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