A Tucson woman is suing the city of Tempe over its reaction to a social media post that led to the evacuation of City Hall and her arrest. The federal suit alleges constitutional rights violations.
In August, Kathleen Tierney posted a “Game of Thrones” GIF in response to a controversial Tempe parks ordinance. In the GIF, a character from the HBO series overlooks a city explosion.
While the lawsuit says the post was intended as a joke, it was enough for police to label it as a “credible threat.” The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declined to file charges.
Tierney’s lawyers argue she suffered “substantial economic, reputational, and emotional injuries” including the loss of her job.
In a statement to KJZZ News, the city says it will respond to “specific allegations through the judicial process.”
