MOBILE — The Mobile City Council turned off the microphone for a speaker who came to speak in support of Palestine, and police escorted him out during the regular council meeting Tuesday.
The council was taking public comment only on the controversy surrounding Police Chief Paul Prine when a man took to the podium to ask for the City to listen to him about Palestine. He said he has lived in Mobile since he was about four years old and is a student at the University of South Alabama.
He offered condolences to Jawan Dallas' family and said he also wanted to point out the Mobile Police Department's misconduct. Following this statement, he attempted to change the topic.
“What I’m about to say might seem out of order,” he said. “However, I would like to bring to everyone’s attention that the city council has denied our right to speak about a ceasefire resolution."
The man’s microphone was then cut off, and executive director of Public Safety Rob Lasky reacted by motioning police officers to escort the man out of the council chambers.
Council president C.J. Small explained citizens may only address the council on issues they can control.
Following the man’s exit, a group of around 10 others exited the chamber.
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