Resolution 260097
Expressing support for Jerome Richardson and our First Amendment rights in the face of political persecution against protestors by the Trump Administration.
Introduced by
From the floor
Passages in the official transcripts that cite this file number. Every quote links to its exact place in the record.
“Mr. President, members and guests of the chamber, I rise in strong supportive Resolution 260097, as presented by Councilmember Gauthier.”
Mr. Jenkins · Stated Meeting, February 19, 2026 · Feb 19, 2026 · official transcript, this passage
“We start again? Sorry. I'll start again. Mr. President, David Alexander Jenkins, members in Council and guests, I rise in strong support of Resolution 260097, as presented by Councilmember Gauthier. Standing in a sort of pulpit that exemplifies its very intent, we gather in a Philadelphia, which is for many accolades, is not known for whispering particularly when it the subject at hand is Liberty. Liberty first spoke…”
Mr. Jenkins · Stated Meeting, February 19, 2026 · Feb 19, 2026 · official transcript, this passage
“Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution 8 is adopted. Will the clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 260097?”
Council President Johnson · Stated Meeting, February 19, 2026 · Feb 19, 2026 · official transcript, this passage
“The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260097.”
Council President Johnson · Stated Meeting, February 19, 2026 · Feb 19, 2026 · official transcript, this passage
“It has been moved and properly seconded. The Resolution No. 260097 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. COUNCILMEMBERS: Aye.”
Council President Johnson · Stated Meeting, February 19, 2026 · Feb 19, 2026 · official transcript, this passage
Status timeline
- Feb 12, 2026Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar · CITY COUNCIL
- Feb 19, 2026ADOPTED · CITY COUNCIL
Official documents
Documents open on the City of Philadelphia’s legislative site.
Full text
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..Title Expressing support for Jerome Richardson and our First Amendment rights in the face of political persecution against protestors by the Trump Administration. ..Body WHEREAS, Jerome Richardson is a senior majoring in political science at Temple University, a saxophone player, and a Christian. He is also an active youth leader that advocates for civil rights and community engagement; and WHEREAS, Like many Americans, Jerome Richardson is deeply troubled by the increasingly violent and un-American tactics being used by ICE and other federal agents in cities across the United States, including violence and even lethal force against protesters; and WHEREAS, Jerome Richardson, along with Don Lemon and several others were arrested and indicted by the federal government for exercising their First Amendment rights; and WHEREAS, When he should be focused on graduating and enjoying his final months as a student, Jerome Richardson now has to face a federal indictment; and WHEREAS, As the birthplace of America and modern-day democracy, Philadelphia is proud of our heritage as a place where residents have always spoken truth to power and stood up for our Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Protest, and other protected First Amendment rights, and Jerome Richardson is a continuation of this proud tradition; and WHEREAS, Arresting journalists and those who help them document what is happening in our country during this pivotal moment is unconstitutional and antithetical to the values outlined by our Founding Fathers here in Philadelphia 250 years ago; and WHEREAS, Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and this body has an obligation to speak up when one of our young constituents finds themselves in the Trump Administration's crosshairs for exercising their constitutional rights; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby expresses support for Jerome Richardson and our First Amendment rights in the face of political persecution against protestors by the Trump Administration. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Mr. Jerome Richardson as a sign of the admiration and respect of this legislative body. ..End