Resident urges ban on flags and full-face coverings in city parks after disturbance at Andy Brown Park East

Paul Gordon, who identified himself as a resident of Alex Drive, told the Coppell City Council on Feb. 25 that a recent organized gathering at Andy Brown Park East made him feel “afraid, intimidated, and scared.” Gordon described seeing a large crowd, attendees in religious dress and a Palestinian flag planted on city property; he said a call to prayer was followed by people bowing toward Mecca.

Gordon asked the council to consider an ordinance that would ban banners and flags on city property unless expressly authorized, to prohibit fully face‑covering garments in public parks and to clarify what a resident should do if a similar incident occurs in the future. He contrasted that experience with a hypothetical situation involving Ku Klux Klan regalia, saying the two situations produced similar fear and deserved equal treatment. Gordon asked for “some kind of clear path” for citizens to follow if future gatherings cause fear.

Mayor West read the citizens’ appearance rules and reminded the public that council cannot comment or deliberate on public‑comment items because of the Texas Open Meetings Act. No council action, motion or vote followed Gordon’s remarks. The next speaker, identified as Alex Stein, delivered remarks unrelated to city policy that included political commentary; council did not respond.