Georgia City Settles with Veteran Over Free Speech Rights

The city of Alpharetta, Georgia, has agreed to modify its free speech policies and pay $55,000 to settle a lawsuit stemming from the arrest of Army veteran Jeff Gray, who was accused of panhandling while holding a sign that read "God bless the homeless vets." Gray, known for his First Amendment audits, was recording his interactions with police when he was approached by officers who claimed they had received complaints about his activities. The incident, which occurred in January 2022, escalated when police confiscated Gray's camera and detained him without charges. With support from the nonprofit Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), Gray filed a lawsuit against the city in 2023, arguing that his rights were violated. FIRE attorney Adam Steinbaugh criticized the police's actions, stating that officers attempted to remove Gray from public space under the pretense of disorderly conduct. The settlement not only compensates Gray but also mandates that Alpharetta police undergo two hours of First Amendment training annually for the next two years. In addition to the training, the new policy prohibits officers from making blanket statements about the legality of panhandling. Instead, they are allowed to clarify that certain ordinances or state laws may restrict panhandling in specific areas, provided their explanations are accurate. The policy changes also include stricter internal investigations for officers accused of infringing on First Amendment rights, signaling a shift in how the city will handle similar cases in the future.