Anger is mounting in Arlington, Texas, after footage surfaced showing the city’s mayor engaged in a vulgar, profanity-laced confrontation with a Christian preacher at a 2023 LGBTQ festival.

According to The Daily Wire, the recently released video of Mayor Jim Ross berating street preacher Ruben Israel with obscene language has triggered calls for his resignation from Republican officials who say his behavior was offensive and unbefitting of his office.

Ross, who has served as mayor of Arlington since 2021, was caught on tape using explicit sexual language during a heated exchange with Israel at a public pride event hosted in the city in 2023. The footage, captured at the time by film crew Vice with Ross’s face initially obscured, was made public in August 2025 by The Dallas Express.

In the video, Ross approaches Israel and begins to aggressively challenge him, citing the preacher’s statements as hateful. Israel, a well-known street evangelist, had been preaching during the event using a bullhorn.

At one point in the encounter, Ross tells Israel, “I believe y’all can have free speech. But this is some hateful stuff, and I am a heterosexual guy.” He continues with increasingly graphic statements targeting Israel’s views on sexuality and marriage.

Mayor’s Profane Tirade Shocks Community

The footage shows Ross asking Israel whether he has ever engaged in certain sexual practices and saying, “You don’t think anal sex is good, do you? Have you ever done that with your wife? I would.” The confrontation escalates with Ross repeatedly shouting expletives and slurs.

Among other remarks, Ross refers to Israel using offensive names, adding, “Shut your mouth, shut your mouth, you little piece of trash. These people around here are having a good time.” Viewers of the video have described Ross’s tone as hostile and unrestrained.

Since the incident first gained public attention, Israel has passed away. The preacher had a long history of controversial, yet protected, street preaching at public events around the country, often including LGBTQ pride events.

Republicans Call for Immediate Resignation

Tarrant County GOP Chairman Bo French issued a public statement following the release of the video. In it, he demanded Ross’s resignation “immediately,” arguing that the behavior captured on camera disqualifies Ross from public service.

TK Campbell, a Republican precinct chair in Tarrant County, echoed similar sentiments. “The now mayor of Arlington’s vile, profanity-laced rant at the late Ruben Israel, a Christian street preacher, is a disgrace,” Campbell said in a statement shared with local press.

Campbell also cited Ross’s financial issues, including wage garnishments by the IRS, which have appeared in public records. According to Campbell, Ross’s recent tax troubles may have contributed to his angry conduct at the event.

Tax Records and Leadership Scrutiny Add Fuel

The Dallas Express reported that Ross owes approximately $175,000 to the IRS and has already had wages garnished in connection to penalties and interest totaling at least $940.39. These revelations have raised additional concern among his critics over his leadership and judgment.

While his critics argue that Ross’s recent behavior demonstrates a troubling pattern, the mayor has not publicly addressed the incident or responded to the calls for his resignation. Arlington city officials have not released an official statement at the time of this writing.

Ross has previously promoted platforms focused on diversity and inclusion during his time in office, establishing separate advisory councils for Black, Asian, Latino, Muslim, and LGBTQ residents to increase representation in civic matters.

Ross’s Past Defense of Identity Councils

In a 2023 appearance at a local NAACP event, Ross defended the idea of having separate advisory groups based on race and ethnicity. “You have to have a Black advisory council because, folks, Black people are not the same,” he told attendees. “Latinos are not the same. Asians are not the same.”

These efforts have gained support from parts of Arlington’s progressive community but have also faced criticism from conservatives who see them as divisive. The resurfaced footage has now intensified scrutiny of his tenure and conduct.

There is currently no indication of a formal ethics inquiry into the mayor’s comments, though Republican leaders suggest that legal or disciplinary investigations should follow if Ross refuses to step down.

Debate Continues Over Mayor’s Tenure

Residents of Arlington remain divided in their response. Some have called the video a troubling example of personal misconduct, while others view the confrontation as a passionate — though inappropriate — defense of the LGBTQ community in a charged setting.

As of mid-August 2025, Ross’s office has yet to confirm whether the mayor plans to address the incident publicly or pursue re-election amid the controversy. Community leaders from both sides of the political aisle agree that transparency and accountability will be critical in the days ahead.

With tensions high and political fallout still unfolding, Arlington’s leadership and future direction may hinge on how residents respond to the mayor’s actions — and on whether Jim Ross remains in office.