News · Press Release

ACLU Warns Ryan Costello He’s Violating His Constituents’ Rights…Again

For the second time in nine months, the ACLU has warned Representative Ryan Costello that he may be violating his constituents’ constitutional rights.

The warning relates to a bizarre incident earlier in the month, when Costello wrote a Facebook post accusing his opponent, Chrissy Houlahan, of sending her “associates” to photograph Costello and his family. The local police report refuted the false accusation, stating that “there was no crime committed,” and a Philadelphia Inquirer investigation found nothing to support Costello’s “weird, winding, paranoid” story.

Understandably upset with Costello’s bewildering behavior, constituents posted “critical but nonthreatening comments” to his official Congressional Facebook. Costello’s response? To block them and delete their comments—a whitewashing that prompted the ACLU to launch an investigation into a possible violation of the First Amendment.

Disturbingly, this incident is actually the second time in less than a year that Costello has earned himself a warning from the ACLU. In April, Costello sought to forbid recording of a public town hall and tried to deny entry to constituents who refused to turn over their cell phone at the door, prompting the ACLU to warn him that, “the ACLU won’t stand for any attempt to impede on people’s rights or shroud the workings of government in secrecy, simply because a Congressman is afraid of democracy.”

“As he’s seen his reelection chances falter, Representative Costello’s behavior has become increasingly erratic, even resorting to violating his constituents’ rights should they disagree with him,” said DCCC Spokesman Evan Lukaske. “His willingness to trample on the Constitution is unbecoming of any American, let alone a member of Congress.”

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