KC Superman Preacher Faces Probation Hearing Over Westport Visit
Kansas City’s longtime “KC Superman” is due back in municipal court Sept. 2 for a probation hearing that supporters say could put the street preacher behind bars for as long as 90 days.
Michael Wheeler’s supporters say the alleged violation arose after he entered a Sun Fresh store in Westport last year despite an order requiring him to stay out of the entertainment district. They are asking people to attend the 9 a.m. hearing in Courtroom F at Kansas City Municipal Court, 511 E. 11th St.
The Kansas City Facebook news page KC Discovery shared the hearing date, alleged violation and possible sentence to rally public support.
An evangelical preacher and Army veteran, Wheeler became a familiar Kansas City figure by running in a Superman-style shirt and red cape, often carrying a football marked “Jesus.” He later began walking through Westport with a large cross. His message of truth, justice, peace and love made him a beloved local figure. His popular impact on the community earned him a massive mural on the side of a building.
His legal troubles, however, involve trespassing charges rather than an ordinance against preaching, as he’s been banned from the nightlife district.
The Kansas City Star reported in September 2024 that Wheeler served two days in jail after jury convictions on six trespassing counts dating from 2020 through 2023. Five involved Westport business corridors, usually late at night.
FOX4 later reported that Wheeler faced two more Westport trespassing charges, both issued by the officer responsible for all but one of his earlier Westport citations. Wheeler said his arrests began after he exchanged his cape for the cross.
Supporters and Wheeler say a city cannot ban someonw from an entire section of the city because of his message.
“They are violating my rights,” Wheeler told FOX4.
The Westport Business League said it did not restrict religious expression. It said bans were rare and resulted from unlawful conduct or threats.
Wheeler maintains that he was peacefully sharing the Gospel. His supporters view the case as unfair treatment of a well-known Christian witness.
#KCSuperman #MichaelWheeler #KansasCity #WestportKC #ReligiousFreedom #StreetPreaching #ChristianNews #FirstAmendment
–Metro Voice
