The lead off
- Fort Wayne Police are responding to a viral video involving an officer and an individual asked to leave Arab Fest
- FWPD says the officer was working off duty for event organizers at the time
- Officials say refusal to leave a rented event space may constitute trespassing
FORT WAYNE, IND. (WOWO) The Fort Wayne Police Department is responding to a video circulating on social media showing an interaction between an off-duty officer and an individual who was asked to leave Arab Fest in Fort Wayne, according to department officials.
Social media video prompts questions
FWPD said it is aware of the video circulating online and understands it has raised questions and concerns.
Officials said videos posted on social media may not always show the full context of an incident, and additional information is necessary to understand the circumstances.
Officer role and event authority
According to FWPD, Arab Fest had rented a section of the park for its event and had authority over who could remain within the designated event space.
The department said the officer involved in the video was working off duty for Arab Fest and was acting on behalf of event organizers when the individual was asked to leave.
Trespassing explanation
FWPD said when a property owner or authorized event organizer directs someone to leave a rented space, refusal to comply may result in a trespassing situation under Indiana law.
Officials said a person who refuses to leave after being directed to do so may be subject to arrest.
Response to policy concerns
The department also addressed claims raised online regarding officer conduct, including whether a supervisor should have been called.
FWPD said department policy does not require officers to call a supervisor solely because one is requested by an individual, and that such decisions depend on the circumstances.
Free speech clarification
Officials also responded to claims that the incident involved a violation of free speech rights.
FWPD said it respects constitutional rights, including free speech, but noted that those rights do not extend to remaining in a privately controlled or rented event space after being asked to leave by the organizer.
The department added that the officer’s role was to carry out the request of event organizers rather than regulate speech.
Department statement on review process
FWPD encouraged anyone with concerns about officer conduct to contact the department for review through proper channels.
Officials said the department remains committed to transparency, accountability, and protecting constitutional rights.
Looking ahead
The department said any formal concerns or complaints related to the incident will be reviewed through standard internal procedures as part of its accountability process.
The takeaway
Police address viral Arab Fest video
FWPD responded to online circulation of a video involving an off-duty officer and an individual asked to leave an event space.
Officer acted on behalf of event organizers
Officials said the officer was working for Arab Fest and enforcing the event’s authority over its rented area.
Department emphasizes policy and legal standards
Police clarified trespassing rules and said free speech rights do not guarantee access to private or rented event spaces.
