Caddo Parish Sheriff Sets Braveheart Protesters Straight

We'll just let Sheriff Steve Prator speak for himself. This is from his Facebook page.

"Message from Sheriff Prator on public demonstrations at Courthouse during Braveheart trial:

It was recently announced that the Caddo Sheriff’s Office will be enforcing a state law that prohibits demonstrations at the Courthouse during the animal cruelty trial of Gabriel Lee. The reason for this action is solely to prevent activity at the Courthouse that could result in a mistrial. It is absolutely NOT to hamper or deny any person’s right to free speech. The law refers only to the area in or near the Courthouse.

The potential for large demonstrations in support of Braveheart was brought to our attention by the District Attorney’s Office while monitoring social media. Enforcement of this law was jointly agreed upon by all parties, including the judge, District Attorney’s Office, defense attorney, and Sheriff’s Office.

The Shreveport Times has mischaracterized this action as a “sheriff’s ban.” It is not a ban by me - the Sheriff - or the Sheriff’s Office. It is an existing state law that has been ruled constitutional by the Supreme Court.

I fully support the right to free speech and am a public advocate for animal rights. Let’s work together to see that justice is served in this case."