\n 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 <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The updated response came after The Dallas Express published<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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,\u201d the city and department said in a statement<\/a> provided to The Dallas Express.<\/p>\n FWPD Explains Citation<\/p>\n According to FWPD, the incident involved an individual using a bullhorn outside the festival grounds.<\/p>\n Police said business owners in the area complained that the amplified noise disrupted their operations and caused them to lose customers.<\/p>\n FWPD said officers advised the individual that continued use of the device would constitute unreasonable noise in violation of the city\u2019s noise ordinance.<\/p>\n \u201cThe person continued using the bullhorn, which resulted in a citation for disorderly conduct (noise) being issued,\u201d the statement said. \u201cThe bullhorn was seized as evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n Department Disputes Speech Claim<\/p>\n FWPD disputed allegations that officers prevented the men from expressing their views.<\/p>\n \u201cAt no time did officers prevent any individuals from expressing their views,\u201d the statement said. \u201cOfficers told the individuals they could continue exercising their rights without using an amplification device.\u201d<\/p>\n The department said the individuals \u201cwillingly ceased protesting after the bullhorn was seized as part of the enforcement action.\u201d<\/p>\n As previously reported<\/a> 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 \u201csir\u201d could lead to a citation if the person claimed offense, and one officer described it as a \u201cgrey area.\u201d<\/p>\n \ud83d\udea8FORT WORTH, TEXAS\ud83d\udea8Police told street preachers at the FW all-ages Pride event they could be cited if someone was offended by their speech. Asked if calling a transgender woman \u201csir\u201d was citable, an officer replied, \u201cIt\u2019s a gray area.\u201d<\/p>\n Follow:@Carlos__Turcios<\/a>@DallasExpress<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/DSAtqZNmW1<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Carlos Turcios (@Carlos__Turcios) June 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Officer Statements Called Inaccurate<\/p>\n FWPD said the video that circulated online showed only part of the interaction.<\/p>\n \u201cA video that has circulated online captures only a portion of the interactions between the officer and the individuals involved,\u201d the statement said. \u201cFWPD acknowledges that an officer involved in the incident made certain statements that were not accurate.\u201d<\/p>\n The department did not specify in the statement which officer statements were inaccurate.<\/p>\n Training Planned<\/p>\n FWPD said the City of Fort Worth Law Department will provide refresher training to Fort Worth police officers and new trainees.<\/p>\n The training will focus on First Amendment protections and related legal issues involving free speech, protesters, and similar activity, according to the statement.<\/p>\n \u201cFWPD continuously strives to improve its procedures to ensure both constitutional rights and public safety are protected,\u201d the statement concluded.<\/p>\n The Fort Worth Police Department said it will provide additional information once its review is complete. Fort Worth ranked third<\/a> among the 50 largest U.S. cities in SmartAsset\u2019s 2025 \u201cAmerica\u2019s Safest Cities\u201d study.<\/p>\n \n