Army vet arrested over ‘God Bless the Homeless Vets’ sign

The Freedom for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) filed lawsuits on behalf of Jeff Gray, an Army veteran, after he was arrested for holding a sign that read “God Bless the Homeless Vets” outside of Georgia government buildings.

According to FIRE Mr. Gray stated “I have been harassed, trespassed, handcuffed and arrested countless times for peacefully exercising my First Amendment rights… My intention is to ensure that all Americans from the wealthiest millionaire to the poorest homeless person can exercise these rights without fear of consequence from our government.”

Gray displayed the sign outside of the Alpharetta City Hall building to raise awareness for homeless veterans back in January of 2022. Even though Gray was not asking for money, local law enforcement accused Mr. Gray of panhandling and threatened arrest if he continued. Additionally, LEO confiscated Gray’s video camera, demanded his identification and banned Gray from the area, a clear violation of his First Amendment rights.

In a previous incident in Blackshear Gray was informed by law enforcement that a permit for a parade or demonstration to hold his sign outside city hall was required.

FIRE attorney, Harrison Rosenthal, stated in a press release “Jeff Gray doesn’t need a government-issued permission slip to speak — the First Amendment is his permission slip… Speaking out in public areas is a core First Amendment right, whether government officials recognize it or not. If our cities won’t teach officers to do their job properly, FIRE will.”

Blackshear’s city attorney, Adam Ferrell, stated “We are aware of the civil complaint filed by Jeffrey Gray against Chris Wright, Chief of Blackshear Police Department… At this time, we are in the process of reviewing the court documents and allegations contained in them and will be making our response through the legal process.”

Mr. Gray has documented his peacefully demonstrations and local reactions on his YouTube channel with mixed responses across the southeastern U.S.

FIRE attorney and staff speaker, Adam Steinbaugh, also stated “If the First Amendment means anything, it must mean that you can hold a sign in front of city hall without being handcuffed… We look forward to vindicating Jeff’s rights and reinforcing the rights of all.”