In a recent court filing, Terrence M. Gore has initiated a lawsuit against the City of DeSoto, Texas, and several city officials, including Mayor Rachel L. Proctor, City Councilman Andre Byrd Sr., and City Attorney Joseph Gorfida. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas on October 15, 2025. Gore alleges that these officials engaged in a coordinated effort to suppress his First Amendment rights by silencing him during a city council meeting on September 16, 2025. He claims this was part of a broader pattern of censorship and retaliation against citizens who criticize public officials.
Gore is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent further violations of constitutional rights, as well as compensatory and punitive damages totaling $1 million. The complaint accuses the defendants of implementing unconstitutional policies that restrict free speech at public meetings and retaliating against those who voice dissenting opinions.
Source: 325cv02802_Terrence_Gore_v_City_of_Desoto_Original_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Texas.pdf
