Arizona evangelist sues Tucson over holiday festival preaching ban
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 09:27 · Archive
David Hoffman is suing Tucson after police threatened to arrest him for discussing Jesus at the Winterhaven Festival of Lights.
David Hoffman, a street evangelist active in public preaching for over a decade, has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Tucson after police threatened him with arrest at the Winterhaven Festival of Lights in December 2025. The lawsuit challenges an event solicitation policy that prohibits 'religious, political, or issue-based leafleting' at city events. Hoffman told authorities that upon entering the festival, police barred him from any kind of religious expression, warning that speaking to visitors or distributing gospel materials would violate the policy and could result in criminal trespassing charges.
Hoffman views large public gatherings as essential to his Christian ministry, stating that he shares the gospel with people unlikely to enter churches. He has regularly attended Tucson's Winterhaven Festival of Lights, a free holiday event where thousands walk through a residential neighbourhood to view light displays, for nearly ten years. The city's event policy was adopted last year, with signs posted at entrances relaying the prohibitions and warning of potential removal and prosecution for violations.
The lawsuit is being pursued by First Liberty Institute on Hoffman's behalf, challenging the city's restrictions on religious speech at the public event.
How it is being reported
- Arizona man threatened with arrest for preaching at holiday festival files lawsuitEvangelist David Hoffman filed a federal lawsuit against Tucson after police threatened him with arrest for preaching at a holiday festival.New York Post · 19 Oct, 09:17
- Arizona man threatened with arrest for preaching at holiday festival files lawsuitDavid Hoffman alleges Tucson police told him discussing Jesus at the Winterhaven Festival of Lights would be considered "sermonizing" under a new policy.Fox News · 18 Oct, 15:00
In this story: David Hoffman · Tucson · First Liberty Institute · Winterhaven Festival of Lights
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem
Comments (0)