Topic: Louisiana Ruling

Director Christopher Wray defines the FBI's focus as "malign foreign disinformation" during a heated exchange regarding the agency's role in social media moderation. Lawmakers cite a 155-page court opinion from Louisiana that labels the FBI's actions as a massive attack on free speech. Wray acknowledges the preliminary injunction and states that guidance has been sent to the field, though the matter remains under ongoing litigation.

Pastor Tony Spell of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was arrested and handcuffed for continuing to hold church services in defiance of state COVID-19 mandates. Spell argued that his right to assemble is endowed by God and cannot be revoked by the Governor or Department of Justice. Despite facing multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon related to a protester, Spell continues to preach and maintain his ministry's bus outreach program.