A video has surfaced showing Arlington, Texas Mayor Jim Ross in a heated exchange with a Christian preacher during a recent LGBT festival. The footage, which was released by Vice and later reported by The Dallas Express, captures Ross using explicit language while confronting preacher Ruben Israel, who has since passed away.
The incident took place at the 2023 LGBT event, where Ross, who claims to be a moderate, confronted Israel about his views on sexuality. In the video, Ross can be heard saying, "I believe y’all can have free speech. But this is some hateful s*** and I am a heterosexual guy." He went on to make several vulgar comments, including a crude remark about Israel’s family.
Ross’s behavior during the confrontation has drawn sharp criticism. Tarrant County GOP Chairman Bo French called for his immediate resignation, labeling the incident as disgraceful. Other local Republican leaders echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Ross’s outburst reflects poorly on his leadership and mirrors the behavior of some prominent Democrats known for using profanity in political discourse.
Additionally, Ross has faced scrutiny for financial issues, as reports indicate that his wages have been garnished by the IRS due to unpaid taxes. He reportedly owes around $175,000, which has led some to speculate that his stress over these financial troubles may have contributed to his outburst.
Throughout his time as mayor, Ross has initiated various advisory councils focused on race and identity, including those for black, Asian, Latino, Muslim, and LGBTQ communities. He has defended these initiatives, arguing that different groups have unique needs and perspectives.
The video has sparked a broader conversation about public conduct among elected officials and the expectations of professionalism in political office. As the fallout continues, many are left wondering about the implications of Ross’s actions for his political future and for the community he serves.
