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Resident urges city to act after repeated harassment by downtown street preacher
Summary
A Charlestown resident told the council the long‑time downtown street preacher has escalated to repeated targeted harassment of women and children, urging the city to bring in First Amendment counsel and act to protect downtown safety and merchants.
A resident testifying during public comment told the Charles Town City Council that behavior by a longtime street preacher at the corner of George and Washington streets has escalated into repeated targeted harassment and is harming public safety and downtown commerce. The speaker said the preacher shouted profanities and warnings of damnation at passersby, followed and harassed women, and even directed abusive language at small children during recent events.
The commenter, who asked the council to consider legal options, said the conduct has moved beyond what the speaker described as protected expression into “intimidation, bullying, harassment, and stalking.” They asked the council to direct city staff to consult a First Amendment attorney to review the city’s options for prevention and escalation avoidance.
Council members acknowledged the complaint during the meeting and several said they had observed or received similar reports. The matter was raised during the public‑comment portion of the meeting; no formal motion or enforcement action was taken at that time. City staff and council members indicated they would discuss follow‑up options, including possible targeted patrols and legal review.
The council did not take immediate legislative action during the meeting. Next steps noted by members included gathering evidence (including social media examples cited by the speaker), assessing whether complaints meet thresholds for disorderly conduct or harassment under existing law, and returning to the council with options for staff or legal action.
The public comment took place during the start of the meeting; council members later referenced the downtown activity during other agenda items concerning events and public safety.
