Judge Dismisses Charges Against New Jersey Man Flying Donald Trump Flags Outside Home
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — A judge dismissed charges against a New Jersey man flying flags outside his home in support of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey confirmed that Joseph Hornick Jr. will not face charges and that the Trump fan intends on continuing his support for the presumptive Republican nominee by showcasing the flags.
Hornick said last month that he was willing to go to jail for the act, no matter what his neighbors thought.
A neighbor complained about the flags in late March and called police. Hornick was told to take them down. That's because in West Long Branch, the flags are considered political signs under a borough ordinance.
"What's so offensive with my flag?" Hornick asked. "It says 'TRUMP — MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.' Tell me what's so offensive with my flag."
In West Long Branch, the ordinance states political signs can't be displayed until 30 days before an election. Hornick argues they are not political signs.
"This is basically, in my opinion, a Trump fan flag," he said. "I'm a fan of Donald Trump. I am proud of it, and I'm expressing my First Amendment rights."
Police gave Hornick a ticket for violating the ordinance.
"I'm going to keep on flying my flag at all costs," he said. "If they have put me in jail for expressing my freedom, I'll do the jail time, whatever it takes."
According to the borough clerk, Hornick could have faced up to a $2,000 fine and jail time if he was charged.
"This matter is dismissed. I've looked at the ordinance as well and I agree with counsel it's somewhat vague as to whether the flag applies or not," Judge Louis Garippo, Jr. said in court Wednesday. "So in the interest of justice, this is dismissed."
