OMAHA- A suit brought by the ACLU of Nebraska on behalf of protesters in Omaha challenges law enforcement officials’ use of two city ordinances as reasons to conduct the mass arrests, actions the ACLU says stifled protesters’ free speech and were retaliatory toward their cause. The suit names the City of Omaha and Omaha police officials.

“... (T)he excessive force and tactics utilized by Omaha police officers has accomplished its intended goal of restricting, frustrating and deterring Black Lives Matter protesters from exercising their rights under the First Amendment to peacefully assemble, petition for redress of grievances and exercise freedom of speech,” the lawsuit alleges.

The suit seeks an injunction from the U.S. District Court of Nebraska to stop police from using chemical agents on peaceful protesters except when there is an imminent threat of violence or against an uncompliant person under arrest with ample, clear warning. The ACLU is also asking the court to prohibit law enforcement from using two city ordinances — against obstructing public roadways and refusing a lawful request to move — to declare a march or protest unlawful.

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