BREAKING: Boulder activist Laura Gonzalez is demanding a Boulder County judge dismiss all charges against her, citing serious First Amendment concerns. This urgent motion was filed just yesterday, as Gonzalez faces allegations of felony retaliation against Boulder City Councilmember Matt Benjamin and two misdemeanor harassment charges.
Gonzalez, 39, is at the center of a highly publicized case that raises critical questions about political expression. The 1st Judicial District is prosecuting her due to the involvement of an elected official, making this case particularly significant for civil liberties advocates. Gonzalez’s attorney, Cameron Bedard of Rights & Liberties Law, argues that the charges arise from Gonzalez’s vocal criticism of Boulder’s refusal to adopt a ceasefire resolution and its investments in companies linked to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The motion to dismiss, filed April 5, 2025, states, “This prosecution targets core political expression.” It specifically addresses incidents during protests where Gonzalez confronted Benjamin and other officials, asserting that her actions were protected under the First Amendment, despite the prosecution labeling them as harassment.
“To ensure Ms. Gonzalez receives a fair trial… we will address the merits of the case only through our formal court filings and courtroom proceedings,” said Brionna Boatright, spokesperson for the 1st Judicial District.
Gonzalez has been a prominent figure at Boulder City Council meetings, particularly during protests against the council’s policies related to Gaza. In an incident on September 3, 2025, Gonzalez allegedly confronted Benjamin at a Farmer’s Market, where she reportedly shoulder-bumped his wife and called Benjamin derogatory names. While the motion does not dispute the confrontation, it claims that the physical contact was minimal and not constitutive of harassment.
The defense emphasizes that Gonzalez’s remarks, although potentially offensive, are political critiques made in a public setting about urgent issues. “They do not constitute ‘true threats’ or ‘fighting words’ under any constitutional definition,” the motion argues.
In another incident on August 21, 2025, Gonzalez protested outside the Penfield Tate II Municipal Building after receiving a one-year suspension from attending city council meetings. The protest involved using a megaphone to criticize the city’s policies toward Gaza, leading to accusations that she directed expletives at another activist, Rachel Amaru.
Gonzalez’s legal team contends that the application of harassment laws in this case could deter political activists from engaging with their elected officials. They cite the 1993 Colorado Supreme Court case which limits harassment definitions, arguing that Gonzalez’s conduct does not meet the threshold for criminal charges.
This developing story is not just about legal ramifications; it highlights the tension between political activism and legal boundaries. The next key date is a motions hearing scheduled for April 9, 2025, followed by a jury trial set to begin on June 8, 2025. The outcome of this case could have lasting impacts on how political dissent is treated in Boulder and beyond.
As the legal proceedings unfold, both Gonzalez and her supporters are poised to continue advocating for what they see as their fundamental rights. With the stakes high, this case is drawing attention from civil rights groups and political analysts alike, raising urgent questions about free speech and the limits of activism.
