Allentown Protester Sues City, Alleges First Amendment Violations in Police Confrontation

Phil Rishel, an Allentown man, has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and two police officers, alleging violations of his First Amendment rights after he was filmed protesting and recording police officers on public sidewalks. The incident centers around retired Officer Dean Flyte driving a patrol vehicle onto the sidewalk toward Rishel, who was recording near a police precinct's parking garage in March 2024, and later being threatened with arrest by Sgt. Christopher Stephenson. Rishel's attorneys, representing him through the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), argue that filming police in public spaces is constitutionally protected free speech. The lawsuit highlights Allentown's history of police misconduct claims, with the city having paid over $2 million in related settlements since 2015. Videos released show Flyte ignoring a “No Trespassing” sign that Rishel noted did not apply to the public sidewalk, then driving erratically toward Rishel, who responded with profanity. The case underscores ongoing tensions regarding police accountability and citizens' rights to record law enforcement without retaliation.