Man sues Kingsport police after pre-dawn raid over officer-speeding video
Joshua Gibbons filed a lawsuit claiming the Kingsport Police Department violated his First Amendment rights after a pre-dawn raid following his criticism of an officer’s speeding.
In October 2022, Joshua Gibbons captured a Kingsport Police Department SUV speeding without lights or sirens and posted the video, later confronting the officer at a fast-food drive-through. After a citizen complained, the department searched Gibbons’ YouTube channel, found the video, and obtained an arrest warrant for speeding, cellphone use while driving, and disorderly conduct—without a judge’s approval. The next morning, eight heavily armed officers raided his house, arresting him before his elderly mother and daughter.
Over nearly four years, Gibbons faced two trials; the appellate court eventually overturned the disorderly conduct conviction and dismissed the remaining charges. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression now sues the city, its police chief, and the officers, alleging a First Amendment violation.
Why it matters
The case tests the limits of free speech protections when citizens criticize police actions on video.
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