South MS vet backs Trump, sues retirement home to put political signs on walker
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Retired Navy veteran files suit over political apparel ban at AFRH Gulfport.
- Lawsuit claims First Amendment violations, seeks class-action status for 495 residents.
- AFRH policy bans political slogans to maintain harmony among retirement home residents.
A retired Navy veteran who has lived for 10 years at the Gulfport Armed Forces Retirement Home says he’s been threatened with eviction if he wears his hat supporting President Donald Trump or affixes campaign signs to his orthopedic walker.
Johnny Fuselier has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court, claiming the home’s Resident Guide violates his First Amendment right to free speech because it prohibits signs or clothing that feature “racial, sexual, political, or ethnic slogans.” The home’s dress code also prohibits political apparel, the lawsuit says.
Fuselier wants to show his support for Trump and other Republicans, the lawsuit says, including Gov. Tate Reeves.
The AFRH has not had time to respond to the lawsuit, which represents only Fuselier’s claims. The lawsuit is filed against John S. RisCassi, chief operating officer at AFRH.
Lift political slogan ban, lawsuit says
Fuselier was fond of wearing his Trump hat that says, “Trump 2024 Save America Again!” and his shirt that says, “Let’s Go, Brandon,” a dig at former President Joe Biden. He liked to affix to his orthopedic walker a sign that says, “2024 – Make Us Great Again.”
But that all came to an end in late June 2023, by which time AFRH personnel made it clear he was violating policy and could face repercussions. AFRH management claims the policy exists so residents will “get along,” the lawsuit says.
Management at the home posted flyers and held town hall meetings about the ban ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
The lawsuit seeks class-action status to represent Fuselier and 494 AFRH residents. It was filed by American Dream Legal, described in a news release as a new, Mississippi-based law firm that offers free legal representation when the government obstructs an individual’s rights under the state or federal constitution.
“Other residents of the AFRH Gulfport retirement community have complied with instructions from AFRH officials to remove political apparel that they were wearing at the time,” the lawsuit says. “Other residents of the AFRH Gulfport retirement community would wear political apparel or display political signs in the common areas of the campus if they did not fear punishment under the political slogan ban.”
The lawsuit asks that a judge declare the political slogan ban violates the First Amendment, order the AFRH to lift the ban and to pay court costs and attorneys’ fees.
