A Street Preacher was Arrested for Sharing the Gospel Near Broadway—but a Judge Swiftly Dismissed It
In a decisive affirmation of First Amendment rights, a New York City judge has thrown out charges against street evangelist Perez Ndi, who was arrested for preaching the Gospel near Broadway without a permit. The swift dismissal came after the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) intervened on Ndi’s behalf, calling out what it says is a growing trend of unconstitutional targeting of Christian speech.
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Liam R. Harrell, Associate Counsel at the ACLJ’s Washington, D.C., office, represented Ndi in court and said this case is emblematic of a larger national pattern.
“This was a blatant example of a city government showing contempt for the First Amendment,” Harrell said. “Perez wasn’t disturbing the peace—he was sharing the Prince of Peace.”
Despite not resisting arrest, Ndi was handcuffed and charged simply for preaching without a permit—a charge that the judge quickly dismissed even before arraignment. According to Harrell, the citation was legally insufficient from the start.
“This is more than a procedural win,” Harrell emphasized. “It’s a resounding affirmation of religious liberty—and a reminder that our rights don’t disappear just because we’re in a city that may not welcome the Gospel.”
A Pattern of Persecution
Harrell and the ACLJ warn that this isn’t just a New York issue. From Chicago to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, similar crackdowns on public evangelism are on the rise.
“We’re seeing a troubling pattern of targeted enforcement against Christians—especially evangelists—exercising their constitutional freedoms,” Harrell said. “Local governments are using vague regulations and permit requirements as tools to suppress biblical truth in the public square.”
The Supreme Court has consistently ruled against such practices, stating that requiring a license for public expression—without clear, narrow, and objective standards—is unconstitutional.
Standing the Line
The ACLJ credits this legal victory to the ongoing prayers and support of its nationwide base. Harrell is clear that these victories matter deeply:
“This battle is far from over. Cities across America are watching. Each victory like this one sends a message: Christians will not be bullied into silence.”
“Whether it’s a preacher on a street corner or a quiet counselor outside a clinic, we must be willing to show up and fight—every time, everywhere.”
A Call to the Church
Harrell concluded with a message not just to legal authorities but to the Body of Christ:
“These are the moments that test our resolve. Are we going to shrink back, or are we going to stand firm for the Gospel and our God-given rights? Religious liberty doesn’t defend itself—it must be protected.”
