Richmond, Virginia: City Council Restricts Criticism with Viewpoint-Discriminatory, Vague, and Overbroad Public Comment Rule

The Richmond City Council repeatedly interrupted or cut off a speaker during her public comments for criticizing local officials. Councilmember Reva Trammell accused resident Sarah Ramsey of “attacking” public officials on several occasions, after Ramsey criticized the mayor for hiring a convicted embezzler, faulted law enforcement for failing to prosecute embezzlement, and accused the Council President of making a false statement. 

On October 31, 2025, FIRE wrote the Council explaining that its rule banning “language of a personal nature” concerning public officials, and/or language which “insults” or “demeans” them, violates the First Amendment.

On January 29, 2026, FIRE sent a follow up letter after receiving no response from the Council.