Residents accuse councilmember Joseph Lowry of harassment, false reports and retaliation during public comment

Several residents used the council’s citizen-participation period on July 27 to air sustained allegations against Councilmember Joseph Lowry. Commenters accused Lowry of filing false 911 reports, impersonating a Texas Ranger, coordinating arrests, and retaliating against a local journalist through criminal complaints and social-media doxxing.

Michael Farvo asked the mayor to pursue a citizen’s arrest, alleging Lowry falsely claimed to be a Texas Ranger and citing Texas Penal Code sections for impersonation. Zay Dublave, a self-identified local journalist, said charges brought against a journalist were dropped by the district attorney and called the conduct “weaponizing the legal system,” stating: “This is an explicit admission that the legal system, law enforcement, jail cells, and prosecution is being weaponized by an elected official as a tool to punish a private citizen exercising their First Amendment.” Harvey Freebird recounted arrests and alleged harassment and urged council consideration of Lowry’s conduct.

The presiding officer thanked speakers and reminded the audience that, under the Texas Open Meetings Act, the council cannot deliberate on public comment during the hearing. The council did not take immediate formal disciplinary action on the dais during the meeting; several council members later expressed frustration with repeated disruptions and asked staff to follow up on constituent complaints where appropriate.