August 20, 2025

Lawsuit Challenges Las Vegas Marshals’ Social Media Practices

News Summary

A lawsuit filed against the City of Las Vegas alleges First Amendment violations regarding the marshals’ management of social media. Journalists claim jurisdictional overreach, particularly by the Department of Public Safety Chief, who limited public discourse through selective restrictions on his Twitter account. The case reveals ongoing concerns about law enforcement’s authority and accountability, with calls for a class action lawsuit suggesting broader issues at play. The city’s response to the lawsuit remains in review as public scrutiny grows over marshals’ enforcement practices.

Las Vegas

A lawsuit has been filed against the City of Las Vegas, highlighting alleged First Amendment violations related to the management of social media by the city’s marshals. The case draws attention to accusations of jurisdictional overreach and abuse of power by local law enforcement.

The lawsuit was initiated by Ohio journalist Derek Myers, who encountered city marshals on January 9 during a traffic stop. Myers claims that the marshals, who stopped him for suspected speeding and impairment, exceeded their authority, as their jurisdiction does not extend to enforcing traffic laws outside of city property. He is currently fighting a DUI charge linked to this incident in another legal venue.

At the center of the lawsuit is the conduct of Las Vegas Department of Public Safety Chief Jason Potts, accused of attempting to suppress public criticism of the marshals’ actions through management of his public Twitter account, now referred to as X. Potts restricted comments on his account to only those users he follows or mentions, leading to claims of “viewpoint discrimination.” This adjustment has resulted in limiting public discourse about the marshals and their actions.

The case notes that Potts follows a total of 598 accounts, thereby restricting who can engage in conversation on his social media platform. This alleged limitation of discussion comes in the wake of significant public outcry regarding marshals’ conduct as illustrated by previous cases. The lawsuit contends that Potts’ actions violate the First Amendment by unconstitutionally restricting speech in a setting regarded as a public forum.

Evidence presented includes screenshots showing that Potts utilized his account for official communication, including job postings, further establishing its status as a venue for public interaction and transparency.

The lawsuit references several Supreme Court rulings asserting that public officials are prohibited from limiting speech based on viewpoint. Following the filing of the lawsuit, Potts deleted his Twitter account in an apparent effort to mitigate the backlash from these accusations.

A spokesperson for the City of Las Vegas has confirmed that the City Attorney’s Office is actively reviewing this newly filed lawsuit, indicating an official response is forthcoming. In addition to his individual claims, Myers is also pursuing formal certification for a class action lawsuit, suggesting ongoing instances of jurisdictional overreach by city marshals.

Evidence provided through this case appears to show that marshals have unlawfully conducted traffic stops beyond the limits of Las Vegas, particularly in areas like Henderson and North Las Vegas, supporting claims that these actions are part of a larger pattern of overstepping authority.

Despite the rising number of lawsuits related to these jurisdictional issues, the Mayor of Las Vegas has publicly expressed support for the city marshals, reinforcing their importance within the community. The evolving circumstances around this case raise serious considerations about law enforcement practices and First Amendment rights within the jurisdiction.

This lawsuit underscores key societal debates surrounding accountability within law enforcement and defining the boundaries of authority, leading to growing public scrutiny and legal challenges against established practices.

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Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER

LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER

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