ort Worth police acknowledged an officer made inaccurate statements during a Trinity Pride Fest encounter and announced First Amendment refresher training. | Collage by DX; images courtesy of Carlos Turcios and FWPD

Fort Worth police say an officer made inaccurate statements during a June 27 encounter with Christian street preachers at Trinity Pride Fest and that officers will receive additional training on First Amendment protections.

The updated response came after The Dallas Express published video and allegations from street preachers Richard Penkoski and David Grisham, who said Fort Worth police officers restricted their speech on public streets and sidewalks surrounding the event and later issued Grisham a citation for disorderly conduct related to noise.

“The City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Police Department recognize that incidents involving First Amendment activity require thoughtful consideration and understanding of the law,” the city and department said in a statement provided to The Dallas Express.

FWPD Explains Citation

According to FWPD, the incident involved an individual using a bullhorn outside the festival grounds.

Police said business owners in the area complained that the amplified noise disrupted their operations and caused them to lose customers.

FWPD said officers advised the individual that continued use of the device would constitute unreasonable noise in violation of the city’s noise ordinance.

“The person continued using the bullhorn, which resulted in a citation for disorderly conduct (noise) being issued,” the statement said. “The bullhorn was seized as evidence.”

Department Disputes Speech Claim

FWPD disputed allegations that officers prevented the men from expressing their views.

“At no time did officers prevent any individuals from expressing their views,” the statement said. “Officers told the individuals they could continue exercising their rights without using an amplification device.”

The department said the individuals “willingly ceased protesting after the bullhorn was seized as part of the enforcement action.”

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Penkoski and Grisham alleged officers warned them they could face citations if attendees found their message offensive. Penkoski also said he asked whether referring to a biological male as “sir” could lead to a citation if the person claimed offense, and one officer described it as a “grey area.”

Officer Statements Called Inaccurate

FWPD said the video that circulated online showed only part of the interaction.

“A video that has circulated online captures only a portion of the interactions between the officer and the individuals involved,” the statement said. “FWPD acknowledges that an officer involved in the incident made certain statements that were not accurate.”

The department did not specify in the statement which officer statements were inaccurate.

Training Planned

FWPD said the City of Fort Worth Law Department will provide refresher training to Fort Worth police officers and new trainees.

The training will focus on First Amendment protections and related legal issues involving free speech, protesters, and similar activity, according to the statement.

“FWPD continuously strives to improve its procedures to ensure both constitutional rights and public safety are protected,” the statement concluded.

The Fort Worth Police Department said it will provide additional information once its review is complete. Fort Worth ranked third among the 50 largest U.S. cities in SmartAsset’s 2025 “America’s Safest Cities” study.