NEWS PROVIDED BY
Christian Defense Coalition
April 1, 2021

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- The case will be argued before Federal Judge, James E. Boasberg, at 3:30 PM EST by attorney Brian Chavez-Ochoa represented Rev. Patrick Mahoney.
 
Rev. Mahoney will be seeking federal injunction relief to conduct his Good Friday Service and prayer vigil at the Capitol after his permit request was denied.
 
Rev. Mahoney was told last week by the US Capitol Police the Good Friday Service would not be allowed because it was in a "restricted area."
 
Below is a picture from the lower western terrace of the Capitol where last years service was held. It is the same location where Rev. Mahoney intended to have this year's Good Friday Vigil.
 


While peaceful First Amendment activities are being prohibited at the US Capitol, other business is going on as usual.  For example, members of Congress and their staff are entering and using the Capitol. Vendors, the media and their crews, invited guests, lobbyists and so many more are also allowed to enter and use the Capitol grounds.
 
However, American citizens who want to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights at the "People's House," are being prohibited from the Capitol.
 
Brian Chavez-Ochoa, of Chavez-Ochoa Law Offices and a attorney for Rev. Mahoney, comments;

"The systematic trampling of our First Amendment Rights must come to an end and the Capitol must be reopened to the people. The right sought by Rev. Mahoney to pray at the lower western terrace of the Capitol on Good Friday, asking God to heal this nation and bless our leaders with wisdom, should and must be honored."

Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Washington, D.C. based Christian Defense Coalition, states;

"The 'People's House,' as the US Capitol Building is so rightly called, must be a place where all Americans should be afforded the right to come and peacefully celebrate and express their First Amendment Rights. Tragically, those rights and freedoms are being denied and prohibited.
 
"Business is going on as usual at the Capitol.  Members of Congress and their staff are entering and using the Capitol. Vendors, the media and their crews, invited guests, lobbyists and so many more are also allowed to enter and use the Capitol grounds.
 
"Yet, I am being prohibiting from holding a Good Friday Service to pray for God to heal our nation from division and bring hope and comfort to all those struggling during the pandemic. I am filing this federal lawsuit to ensure the 'People's House' is returned to the people and the First Amendment is once again celebrated and honored at the United States Capitol."

For more information or interviews call:
 
Brian Chavez-Ochoa at:  209.772.3013
Rev. Patrick Mahoney at:  540.538.4741

SOURCE Christian Defense Coalition

CONTACT: Brian Chavez-Ochoa, 209-772-3013;
Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741