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WAVELAND, MS — After being sued for violating a man’s First Amendment rights, the City of Waveland appears to have doubled down by quietly adopting a new ordinance that prohibits the very kind of speech it was just forced to settle over. And the shocking deposition of one of the city’s police officers is making the city go viral on the Internet, once again.
The city’s new ordinance, titled “Policy Governing Conduct on City Property,” bans the posting or distribution of pamphlets, handbills, or fliers on any city-controlled property unless such activity is part of a “government-authorized” function. It also bars soliciting donations, even for political or charitable causes, and states that anyone who violates the policy “shall be subject to prosecution.”
The new restrictions come in the wake of Waveland’s legal settlement with First Amendment activist Jeff Gray, who was issued a trespass citation and removed from the sidewalk outside City Hall for holding a sign that read “God Bless the Homeless Vets.” Gray’s video account of the May 2023 incident went viral.
His lawsuit, filed in federal court, alleged that Waveland violated his constitutional right to peacefully express himself on public property. After months fighting the case, the city ultimately decided to settle the lawsuit in 2025.
Then, it passed a written policy to prohibit the very free speech it was sued over.
A Textbook Violation of the First Amendment
Under U.S. Supreme Court precedent, the First Amendment affords the strongest protection to public forums — places like parks, sidewalks, and open government grounds — where citizens have historically gathered to express political or religious viewpoints. Any restriction in those spaces must be content-neutral, narrowly tailored to serve a significant government interest, and leave open ample alternative channels for communication.
Waveland’s policy does none of that. Instead, it gives officials unchecked authority to ban speech they haven’t pre-approved, without defining what qualifies as “authorized” or “government activity.” That’s known in constitutional law as a prior restraint, and it’s one of the most disfavored forms of censorship.
A Pattern of Retaliation?
Jeff Gray’s removal from City Hall went viral last year, part of a larger wave of First Amendment auditing across the country, which included various cities in South Mississippi. Gray has made it his mission to peacefully test government officials’ understanding of constitutional rights by engaging in simple, legal acts of expression, such as filming in public or holding a sign.
In Waveland, he stood silently on public grounds with a hand-lettered cardboard message supporting homeless veterans. He was approached by officers, told he could not protest there, and ultimately trespassed from the property.
Rather than apologize or retrain staff, Waveland’s apparent solution was to codify the behavior in writing, effectively transforming what was once unlawful censorship into official policy.
The irony is hard to miss.
Shocking Deposition Footage
Last month, Gray released video from a deposition with Waveland Police Sergeant Joseph Joffrion. The video, posted to Gray’s “Honor Your Oath” YouTube channel quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of views.
In the October 2024 deposition footage, Joffrion failed to recall even the most basic aspects of his job as a police officer. The arrogant stance of the Waveland sergeant resulted in thousands of public comments and viral sharing of the video. Watch the incident that led to the lawsuit and Joffrion’s deposition here:
Public Outrage and a Multi-City Reckoning
The release of Sergeant Joffrion’s deposition sparked a firestorm online. The video, posted to Gray’s Honor Your Oath YouTube channel, quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of views, with comments pouring in from across the country — many expressing shock, anger, and disgust at what they saw.
“This cop’s attitude is why people across the nation hate police,” wrote one user, in a comment that received over 4,000 likes.
“He is not a public servant, he is a predator,” another wrote.
Others called for immediate accountability:
“Any cop who says they don’t know what the law is should be fired and not be able to draw a pension,” one commenter wrote.
“If this jerk isn’t fired today, the entire police department needs to be disbanded,” said another, whose comment drew thousands of upvotes.
Perhaps most damning was the assessment from a retired law enforcement leader:
“As a retired Chief of Police, I can say without a doubt, this officer would be terminated immediately upon me reviewing these videos.”
Despite the overwhelming public backlash, Joffrion remains employed with the Waveland Police Department, and city officials have not issued any public response to the video or the deposition.
Cities Settle — But at What Cost?
While the financial terms of the lawsuit settlement remain undisclosed, GC Wire has learned that the agreement between Jeff Gray and the municipalities of Waveland, Ocean Springs, Hattiesburg, and Forrest was structured as a blanket resolution. All four cities had been accused of violating Gray’s First Amendment rights in separate incidents involving peaceful protest or filming on public property.
In addition to financial compensation, each city reportedly agreed to rescind trespass citations previously issued to Gray and to provide First Amendment training for their law enforcement personnel.
None of the cities have publicly acknowledged how much taxpayer money was used to fund the settlements, a lack of transparency that continues to frustrate civil liberties advocates.
As the outrage continues to build, one thing is clear: Waveland’s attempt to silence a protestor has now amplified his message — louder than ever.
The City of Waveland, Mayor, Alderman, and the Chief of Police refuse to hold Joffrion accountable for his egregious and inexcusable behavior. Actually, they have rewarded Joffrion with a promotion to an FTO. It’s obvious that the City of Waveland supports Joffrion and everything he represents. So where are the State and Federal officials who could step in? Joffrion should be immediately terminated, placed on the Brady list, barred from ever being a LEO again and criminally charged.
When you coming to southern Louisiana
I’ve watched your video and the deposition and the cop is A POS!! he shouldn’t be in any kind of job except asking “do you want fries with that?” I can’t believe that somewhere done official didn’t involved and tell him to hit the bricks. Cops like him are EXACTLY why the people do not like or trust the police. Please keep doing what your doing with testing your 1st amendment, I’m glad people like you are out there doing this work!!!!! Thank you sir!!!
I don’t recall….. I’m not a lawer.
Agree
Surely this man is not that stupid! Why was this officer NOT held accountable for his actions? And why was he not fired? He takes his lines from Hillary Clinton and all other dems: I can’t recall……. Unacceptable!!!!
Claiming a lack of recollection is a common legal strategy. It avoids making definitive statements that could be contradicted by evidence later. This could lead to charges of perjury or unfavorable outcomes in civil cases. Donald Trump has used the phrase “I don’t recall” or similar expressions, such as “I don’t remember” or “I have no recollection,” numerous times during depositions and when responding to questions from the Special Counsel.
He has the best memory though…he’ll tell you!
The officer’s Arrogance and Lies come’s from Donald Con Man Trump’s Republican hand book..💩
Surely this man is not that stupid! Why was this officer NOT held accountable for his actions? And why was he not fired? He takes his lines from Hillary Clinton and all other dems: I can’t recall……. Unacceptable!!!!
I see know why Waveland Police will only let you comment on posts they share on their fb page….This “officer” gives your whole department a bad name.
If this cop is not fired then the mayor and Chief need to resign.
I’m Conservative but you cant blame this one on the “dems” Anita. Many Conservatives have an overzealous love for ALL police and attack anyone who dares record the police or asks an officer for his name and badge number. And, Conservatives frequently pass these types of unconstitutional laws where anyone who asks for donations can be arrested. Now granted, I dont like aggressive panhandling or people being under the influence, but Conservatives will harass and arrest people like Jeff Gray just for holding up a sign that says “God bless the homeless vets”.
Come to Mobile Alabama Tag office , Big signs to camera or recording inside of the building.
It is unbelievable that this man who has no business carrying a badge and gun in public has not been fired and banned from law enforcement. I think I am going to Waveland, hold up a sign and get paid. Everyone should!
The taxpayers in Waveland need to get rid of this criminal outfit or they will have to paid for the actions of these tyrants while these law breakers head to another municipality to continue their crimewave.
Joffrion is a typical Mississippi LEO. Undertrained, undereducated and has a chip on his shoulder that is the size of a bowling ball.