Criminal Charges For Public Evangelism

Apr 9, 2026

Greenville, SC, police apparently don’t want the Word of God spread publicly, despite the constitutional protection of this basic First Amendment right.

On March 14, 2026, peaceful street evangelist Andre Howard* was arrested and slapped with a 1,087 dollar fine for peacefully preaching on a public sidewalk.

His case is a clear example of government overreach and a direct threat to free speech and religious liberty for all Americans. If officials can silence Andre today, they can silence anyone tomorrow. Liberty Counsel is on the case, but taking on government power requires resources. Right now, your gift to support Andre’s defense will be DOUBLED through a Challenge Grant, making this the most impactful time to give and help protect freedom in the public square.

Andre never shouted. He never threatened anyone. He didn’t block sidewalks or disrupt traffic.

Andre stood peacefully, speaking about his faith in a public place — something Americans have done freely since this nation was founded. And for that, he was arrested.

Today, Andre is facing criminal charges simply for exercising his constitutional rights to free speech and religious liberty. What happened to him was not an isolated misunderstanding — it was a deliberate act of government overreach, and it sets a dangerous precedent for all of us.

This case is bigger than Andre.

If government officials can silence one peaceful individual for sharing his faith in public, they can silence pastors, ministry leaders, and everyday Americans.

Andre’s case draws a clear line in the sand:

Will free speech remain a God-given right — or become a government-controlled privilege?

We are defending Andre — but we need your help. 

Powerful government entities have unlimited resources. Andre does not.

This legal fight requires experienced constitutional attorneys, motions, legal briefs, and travel. That’s why your support today is critical.

Right now, a Challenge Grant is in place to DOUBLE your gift — dollar for dollar — so your impact goes twice as far in Andre’s defense. Make your best gift to defend Andre NOW!

Andre did nothing wrong.

He exercised peaceful speech in the public square — the very place where ideas have always been debated, shared, and proclaimed in America.

Silence now means surrendering later.

Stand with Andre today.

Please make a generous contribution to our legal defense fund to help protect Andre’s rights — and the rights of every American who may one day find themselves in his position.

Every gift matters. Every voice counts.

And every donation made today will be DOUBLED.

Thank you for defending the RIGHT to spread the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Mat Staver
Founder and Chairman
Liberty Counsel


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*Name changed for privacy.

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