The local man known as Philly Jesus is suing the city and police over a December incident at Christmas Village in Center City where h...
The local man known as Philly Jesus is suing the city and police over a December incident at Christmas Village in Center City where he claims his First Amendment and other rights were violated.
The Philadelphia figure, whose real name is Michael Grant, 33, initially entered his complaint with Philadelphia’s federal court last week, but was unable to pay the $400 filing fee. As Grant’s attorney, Vicki Piontek, wrote in the complaint, her client is homeless and without a regular source of income.
A judge has since waived that filing fee, court records show, allowing Grant’s case to proceed. He is seeking unspecified damages.
According to the complaint, police arrested Grant at Christmas Village on Dec. 21, allegedly “in retaliation for the exercise” of his First Amendment rights. Grant, the suit claims, was “preaching peacefully” at the annual holiday market, and also had placed out a basket for donations.
No comments