First Amendment Lawsuit Filed After Removal from Ashland City Council Meeting

Toren McKnight, a 23-year-old activist from Central Point, Oregon, has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Ashland, Mayor Tonya Graham, and Police Chief Tighe O'Meara. The lawsuit stems from an incident during a September 16, 2025, Ashland City Council meeting, where McKnight was removed after calling Chief O'Meara a "fascist" during a public comment period. McKnight's remarks were directed at O'Meara's proposal to tighten enforcement of exclusion zones in the city, which would allow police to request judicial bans on individuals accused of certain offenses, even without convictions.

OregonianMan sues, alleging First Amendment violation at Ashland council meeting

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Medford, argues that McKnight's removal violated his First Amendment rights. His attorney, Alica LeDuc Montgomery, contends that the city's "no personal attacks" policy is vague and suppresses criticism of city officials. The suit highlights a contradiction between the city's proclamation of Constitution Day and the silencing of McKnight's political speech. McKnight's comments included assertions that the police chief's policies were harmful and indicative of a broader "fascist takeover" in the country.

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The ordinance in question, known as the Enhanced Law Enforcement Area (ELEA), was approved by the Ashland City Council in a 4-2 vote the following month. Under the new rules, police can request a judge to ban individuals from two exclusion zones based on a pattern of disruptive behavior, rather than requiring a conviction. Critics, including council members Eric Hansen and Bob Kaplan, expressed concerns that the ordinance could criminalize homelessness and lead to increased legal challenges.

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Several local nonprofits and community organizations, including the Rogue Valley Pepper Shakers and Southern Oregon Jobs with Justice, opposed the ordinance, arguing it undermines the city's values of compassion and support for vulnerable populations. The lawsuit cites these community concerns, emphasizing that McKnight's remarks were part of a broader dialogue about the implications of the proposed policy.

Man sues, alleging First Amendment violation at Ashland council meeting

Ashland City Attorney Johan Pietila stated that the city had not yet been served with the lawsuit and declined to comment on ongoing litigation. Mayor Graham defended the council's conduct, asserting that the meeting was meant to foster respectful dialogue and that personal attacks were not acceptable. Chief O'Meara refrained from commenting on the matter, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.

Man sues, alleging First Amendment violation at Ashland council meeting

• “If you refuse to fund and protect services to the city’s most vulnerable people and instead focus on using police, then you’re simply taking a page out of the fascist playbook.” — Toren McKnight, Activist

Man sues, alleging First Amendment violation at Ashland council meeting

• “The mayor had the last word: “This is a place where we offer respect for each other’s opinion, and this is a place where we respect the attitudes of other people and we give space for that.” — Mayor Tonya Graham

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• “Proclaiming Constitutional protections one moment and silencing peaceful political speech the next exposes a troubling disconnect between the City’s stated values and its actions,” — Alica LeDuc Montgomery, Attorney

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The outcome of McKnight's lawsuit could have significant implications for free speech rights in local government settings, particularly regarding the balance between maintaining order in public meetings and allowing robust political discourse. As the case unfolds, it will be closely monitored by civil rights advocates and local residents alike.

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