Summary
Dallas police officers detained two street preachers outside the American Airlines Center during a basketball game. The incident became widely discussed online, with debates about free speech rights and proper policing. Police stated the men were detained for noise ordinance violations on private property, not for preaching on a public sidewalk.
Key Facts
- The incident happened on December 18, outside an NBA game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
- The street preachers were affiliated with the "Testimonies of God" ministry.
- Video of the incident showed officers detaining the men, causing it to go viral after being shared online.
- The police stated the men were detained due to "interference with public duties" and noise ordinance violations, not for preaching.
- Dallas police clarified the event took place on private property, not a public sidewalk.
- A citation was issued for using a loudspeaker, violating noise rules, but no formal arrests were made.
- The street preachers claimed they were detained for exercising their free speech rights.
- The Dallas Police emphasized compliance with city noise codes and that they support First Amendment rights.
