The main emphasis of the Chief Blanchard Lawsuit is allegations that he violated Jason Followell’s First Amendment rights. Check the latest updates and what the outcome is.
Key Takeaways
- Followell was kicked out of city council sessions due to indecency restrictions, so he and his lawyer, CJ Grisham, filed Chief Blanchard Lawsuit against the Chief Blanchard and other authorities.
- The dispute intensified when Mayor Ram Gomez ordered Blanchard to remove Grisham.
- Followell filed a civil rights action in March 2024, alleging violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments.
Chief Blanchard Lawsuit
Followell and his lawyer sues chief Blanchard and other officials following events involving public decorum regulations during city council sessions.
The argument started after both of them were asked to leave a meeting in January 2024 due to their inappropriate and council-rule-violating language.
Followell publicly swore at the police chief at this meeting, calling him “Chief Blanchard, you piece of sh*t!”
Followell actively participated in these sessions, using his position to criticize the administration of the city for what he believed to be corruption and poor management.
Followell made headlines when he refused to back down from accusations of disrespect and insisted that his First Amendment rights prevented an arrest for the words he used.
The Chief Blanchard Lawsuit outcome is pending as the matter is still in the court and under trial.
His lawyer, Grisham, contended that calling government officials “tyrants” and using profanity “does not provide probable cause for arrest” were examples of speech that was protected by the constitution.
When Mayor Ram Gomez ordered Blanchard to remove Grisham, things became worse.
“Stop talking and just sue me,” Blanchard allegedly said, setting the stage for the next court dispute.
Followell filed a civil rights complaint against the city, Chief Blanchard, and other authorities in March 2024, claiming that the Texas Constitution and the First and Fourteenth Amendments had been violated. It results Chief Blanchard sued for violation.
According to the lawsuit, Followell’s right to free speech was restricted by the city using a variety of tactics, including as issuing a criminal trespass warning and enforcing rules that forbade criticizing the government.
This case raises significant concerns about how to preserve meeting order while simultaneously defending individuals’ right to free speech, particularly when those expressions target public servants.
The action requests monetary damages for Followell’s rights being violated, a determination that the city’s restrictions are unconstitutional, and an order to suspend their enforcement.
The lawsuit has drawn attention due to its emphasis on defending constitutional rights and possible abuse of authority by local government representatives.
Chief Blanchard who has been in charge of the Aransas Pass Police Department since 2012, is being questioned about the way he implemented these contentious policies and the possibility that he utilized the legal system to intimidate opponents.
Followell is pursuing legal action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which permits lawsuits for civil rights abuses, and the case is under trial and the Jason Followell Lawsuit Outcome is pending.
In addition to raising more general questions about government overreach and the restriction of constitutional rights, Blanchard and other officials are being monitored for their conduct.
For more updates, visit here! If there is something to add about the lawsuit, please share it in the comment section.
Just in case you were not conscious,
Blanchard has labored for the Sinton, Portland, and Mathis police departments.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management from Tarleton State University, an accomplice diploma from Del Mar College.
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David Kees is a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering the stories that matter most. With over a decade of experience in news reporting and investigative journalism, David is dedicated to delivering clear, accurate, and engaging content that informs and inspires. Known for his insightful analysis and commitment to factual storytelling, he has covered everything from breaking news to in-depth features on global events. When he’s not chasing the next big story, David enjoys exploring new cultures, reading historical fiction, and discussing the latest developments in media ethics.
