Twitter as Tool of Self-Disembowelment

Los Angeles passed an ordinance requiring contractors to disclose any ties to the NRA.  Contractor John Doe filed suit, alleging that this required disclosure would impair his ability to get contracts and force speech--a First Amendment violation.  The decision granting preliminary injunction against Los Angeles is here and includes this self-disembowelment:

In this context, O’Farrell’s off-the-record statements further confirm an overwhelming intent to suppress the message of the NRA.6 Through his verified Twitter account, O’Farrell wrote: “The @NRA “assault weapons everywhere” agenda can and will be challenged in the City of Los Angeles. It’s time for action. @WAGV @MomsDemand @Bradybuzz @eqca @shannonrwatts” Mitch O’Farrell (@MitchOFarrell), Twitter (Mar. 28, 2018, 2:20 PM), https://twitter.com/MitchOFarrell/status/979105947632123904. “My #NRA disclosure motion passed unanimously in Budget & Finance committee today. TY Chair @PaulKrekorian for your partnership. Next up; full City Council to draft the Ordinance. @WAGV @Bradybuzz @Everytown @MomsDemand @sandyhook.” Mitch O’Farrell (@MitchOFarrell), Twitter (Oct. 1, 2018, 6:27 PM), https://twitter.com/MitchOFarrell/status/1046934711761850368. “And by the way, @amazonprimenow @AppleTV @Google -isn’t it time to end your relationship with @NRATV & stop aiding and abetting their violent, extremist rhetoric?” Mitch O’Farrell (@MitchOFarrell), Twitter (Oct. 24, 2018, 11:19 AM), https://twitter.com/MitchOFarrell/status/1055161837224783872. “I told @FedEx executives earlier this year, ‘there is no high road in doing business with the @NRA.” Mitch O’Farrell (@MitchOFarrell), Twitter (Oct. 31, 2018, 11:35 AM), https://twitter.com/MitchOFarrell/status/1057702716045058048. 

See also Dkt. 1-3 at 2–32. O’Farrell’s statements reinforce an already robust record of anti-NRA animus. The face of the Ordinance, the legislative history of its passage, and the statements of its primary legislative advocate all demonstrate an intent to suppress the political speech of the NRA.