News - The Department of Justice Investigates Texas Police for Targeting a Street Preacher

The U.S. Department of Justice, under the leadership of Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, has initiated a civil rights investigation into the conduct of the Fort Worth Police Department. This action was prompted by a viral video that surfaced, showing police officers threatening to arrest street preacher Rich Penkoski if he continued to preach outside a gay pride event in Fort Worth, Texas. In the video, officers are seen warning Penkoski that he might be arrested or cited for 'offensive speech' if he made statements like 'homosexuality is a sin.' This incident has led to widespread outcry and debate over issues of free speech and religious rights. Dhillon, in her capacity within the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, expressed concerns over possible rights violations and pledged a comprehensive investigation. Her leadership has been characterized by efforts to support Christian rights across the nation, including involvement in cases where public figures and athletes faced repercussions for publicly expressing their faith. The Fort Worth Police Department has not yet provided a detailed response to the allegations, opting instead to block critics on social media, which has further intensified the situation. This investigation highlights the ongoing national discourse about balancing free speech, religious expression, and civil rights.