Fort Worth police said they are reviewing video and allegations after street preachers said officers restricted their speech near Trinity Pride Fest. | Collage by DX; images courtesy of Carlos Turcios

Street preachers Richard Penkoski and David Grisham allege Fort Worth police officers violated their First Amendment rights during Trinity Pride Fest on June 27 by preventing them from preaching on public streets and sidewalks surrounding the event and later issuing one of them a citation for disorderly conduct related to noise.

FWPD Reviewing Claims

The Fort Worth Police Department said it is reviewing the video and allegations.

“The Fort Worth Police Department is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all individuals, including the right to free speech and peaceful assembly, while also ensuring public safety and enforcing applicable laws and ordinances,” Sgt. P.A. Vega told The Dallas Express.

“We are aware of a video and allegations circulating social media,” Vega added. “We will need some time to look into this and will provide additional information once our review is complete.”

Video Draws National Attention

Video of the encounter spread quickly on X after Carlos Turcios of The Dallas Express posted footage from the event.

By Monday morning, the post appeared as the No. 2 item in X’s News category, according to a screenshot reviewed by The Dallas Express.

Elon Musk replied to Turcios and The Dallas Express, writing, “In Texas? Wow.”

Russell Brand also reposted Turcios’ video and wrote, “Thoughts?”

Prior Trinity Pride Coverage

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Trinity Pride has drawn criticism in prior years, was again open to minors. At least one nonprofit affiliated with the event had previously received public funds.

The event last year began with a march organized by several churches. Children were seen carrying “transgender” flags and signs with affirming messages, while adults held banners with slogans such as “FAIR MOUNTIES WE RIDE HARD” and “SHOUT IF YOU LOVE T-BOYS.” Drag performers also passed by riding a cart.

Preachers Say Police Restricted Access

Grisham told officers he had previously sued the City of Fort Worth over similar restrictions during a 2014 Pride event. That lawsuit ended in a settlement and an apology from the city, according to KFDA in 2015.

“Apparently, even if you win a federal court case against the City of Fort Worth, they have no intention of abiding by their settled agreement,” Grisham told The Dallas Express. “How can law and order be maintained in a city that refuses to abide by the order of a federal judge? There is no law and order in the City of Fort Worth.”

Dispute Over ‘Offensive’ Speech

The two men allege officers continued directing them farther away from the event and warned they could be cited if attendees found their message offensive.

According to Penkoski, a female officer told him speech that offended others could constitute disorderly conduct. Penkoski said he responded that offensive speech is protected under the First Amendment.

Penkoski also asked officers whether referring to a biological male as “sir” could result in a citation if the individual claimed to be offended. According to Penkoski, one officer responded that it was a “grey area.”

The officer then attempted to explain what he considered offensive language.

“Offensive language means calling somebody the N-word, curse words… if they come back and say, ‘Hey, I’m offended by that,’ and you continue to do that, well then that becomes offensive to them,” the officer said.

“Unfortunately, there’s not much on our side to do anything,” the officer responded.

Penkoski said the exchange showed officers were weighing enforcement based on whether listeners claimed offense, not on a clear standard of unlawful conduct.

Penkoski also said he told officers he found some of the attire and conduct at the event offensive because children were present. According to Penkoski, the officer responded there was little police could do about those concerns.

During the encounter, Penkoski said he showed officers U.S. Supreme Court precedent addressing traditional public forums, arguing that public streets and sidewalks remain protected locations for speech even when a private event has obtained a permit.

“We explicitly showed the officers Supreme Court precedent and reminded them of Fort Worth’s previous legal settlements on this exact issue,” Penkoski told The Dallas Express. “To be told by law enforcement that they ‘don’t care’ about established First Amendment law on a public sidewalk is deeply alarming. Public spaces belong to all citizens, and an event permit does not erase the United States Constitution.”

Citation Issued For Noise

The two preachers said officers kept moving them away from the event before citing Grisham for unreasonable noise.

Penkoski said he asked officers what conduct qualified as unreasonable noise under the circumstances, but officers did not provide a clear standard. Instead, he said officers referenced examples such as placing a megaphone directly into someone’s ear, which Penkoski said did not occur because the device remained at waist level.

Police Review Continues

“As someone who was willing to die for this country, I never thought I would see the day where American police officers would threaten to cite or arrest Christians simply for preaching on public property,” Penkoski told The Dallas Express. “When law enforcement tells you that you will be penalized if your speech ‘offends’ someone, free speech ceases to exist.”