Fort Worth Officer Warns Preachers of Tickets for Offensive Speech at Pride Event, Sparking First Amendment Debate

FORT WORTH, Texas — A viral video from Trinity Pride Fest on June 27, 2026, has ignited controversy over free speech rights after a Fort Worth police officer warned Christian street preachers that they could face citations for speech deemed offensive by attendees. 

In the footage, Officer Stogner (badge #3531) interacts with evangelists Rich Penkoski and David Grisham as they attempt to preach on public sidewalks near the event. When questioned about potential enforcement, the officer states that if someone is offended by their speech, it could constitute disorderly conduct, leading to a ticket. 

“If they are offended by your speech, OK, I will write you a ticket and we’ll go from there,” the officer says in the video. When directly asked if offensive speech could result in a citation, she replies, “Yes, absolutely.”

Police reportedly blocked the preachers from certain sidewalk areas upon arrival and directed them beyond barricades. Grisham used a bullhorn, which drew complaints, leading to his citation for “unreasonable noise.” No one was cited solely for the content of their message. 

Police Response and Clarification at the Pride Event

The Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) later reviewed the incident and clarified that Officer Stogner’s statements regarding citations for offensive speech content were “not accurate.” Officials emphasized that the citation issued to Grisham stemmed from noise volume—specifically the use of amplification near the event—not the religious or critical nature of the preaching.

In a statement, the department noted that officers must balance public safety and event logistics with constitutional protections. They confirmed that public sidewalks remain open forums for speech, protected under the First Amendment unless it crosses into true threats, incitement, or violates content-neutral regulations like noise ordinances. FWPD announced mandatory First Amendment refresher training for officers following the review.

Department representatives also denied preventing the preachers from expressing their views outright, stating they could continue without the bullhorn. The device was seized as evidence in the noise enforcement action.

Preachers’ Perspective and Planned Legal Action

Penkoski and Grisham argue the encounter violated their rights. They claim police restricted access to public property and that the officer’s warnings chilled protected religious expression. Grisham, who previously sued Fort Worth over a similar 2014 incident (resulting in a settlement), says he was reminded of that history during the exchange.

Attorneys with GFA Law, representing Grisham, are challenging the noise citation. They contend it was improperly issued without a decibel meter measurement as required by local ordinances and that broader restrictions on their activity were unconstitutional. Both preachers plan to pursue legal action against the city, asserting viewpoint discrimination and improper application of disorderly conduct rules.

Texas law generally protects offensive or unpopular speech on public property unless it incites imminent violence or meets narrow exceptions. Preachers like Penkoski and Grisham frequently cite Bible verses critical of certain lifestyles during such events, which courts have long held as protected expression.

Broader Context

The incident has fueled national discussion about balancing free speech, public events, and law enforcement discretion—particularly at Pride festivals where opposing viewpoints often clash. Supporters of the preachers view the officer’s initial comments as a clear overreach, while others argue police were responding reasonably to noise complaints and potential disruptions in a crowded area.

As of now, no disciplinary action against Officer Stogner has been publicly announced. The internal review continues, alongside the promised training.

This case highlights ongoing tensions in how municipalities handle controversial speech in public spaces. Penkoski and Grisham maintain they will continue their outreach, emphasizing that constitutional rights do not depend on majority approval. Legal proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.