Alex Young is a young musician who plays his guitar for riders who are taking the Washington, D.C. Metro. Police Officers have threatened to arrest Young stating that it is okay for him to play his music in public, but not with his guitar case open to solicit contributions. The officers allege that he is engaging in commercial activity by singing with his guitar case open, an activity which is prohibited on Metro property. However, Young fought back with his own lawsuit which was filed in Washington's federal court. He states that it is his First Amendment right to play his guitar in a public area and that he can leave his guitar case open at will. The hearing is scheduled to appear before US District Judge Beryl Howell later this month. Young's lawyer Jeffery Light has stated that the musician depends on willing support from society. Light is asking the judge to issue an injunction which would block Metro officials from enforcing an anti-busking policy. Metro regulations do allow for free speech related activities at Metro stations, but they cannot interfere with rider's free access.
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