A former contractor for the Coast Guard has initiated legal action against the federal government, claiming wrongful termination tied to his social media posts. The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday by Peter Souders, an engineer and project manager for Advanced Concepts Enterprises, Inc.
Details of the Lawsuit
Souders alleges that senior officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense orchestrated his dismissal. The events stemmed from posts he made on Facebook after the controversial shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Backstory
On September 10, around the time of Kirk’s assassination, Souders shared posts criticizing him. Following the incident, these posts reportedly drew the attention of federal officials.
Key Events Leading to Termination
- On September 17, Michael Cogar, deputy assistant secretary for civilian personnel policy at the Pentagon, communicated with Greyson McGill from the DHS about Souders’ behavior.
- Later that same day, McGill informed Cogar that Souders was being let go from his position, initiating the termination process.
- Souders discovered his firing the next day when he found his access badge had stopped working.
Claims of First Amendment Violation
Souders argues that his social media posts were politically driven and that he did not publicly identify himself as a government contractor. The lawsuit claims these posts constitute protected speech under the First Amendment, challenging the government’s response as an overreach.
Government Response
The lawsuit implicates high-ranking officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing them of violating his constitutional rights. Souders contends that he was terminated not for poor job performance but for expressing personal political views.
Broader Context of Censorship
The action taken against Souders reflects a broader trend where government agencies are scrutinizing the expressions of employees following Kirk’s death. Public backlash over perceived infringements of free speech rights has intensified, particularly concerning military personnel and government contractors.
Seeking Justice
Souders is currently pursuing reinstatement to his position at Advanced Concepts Enterprises, Inc. through this lawsuit. He emphasizes the need for protection of individual rights, particularly in relation to political expression in the workplace.
