Kip Billups isn’t done protesting at Amarillo City Hall, though he has added a new twist. In recent days, Billups has been spotted holding a lantern and glancing around as if he were looking for something.

The Amarillo Pioneer caught up with Billups on Friday morning to ask what he’s looking for. Billups, wearing what he calls his black “Buddha Jammies,” and a pair of worn purple sandals, did not answer. Instead, Billups reiterated his reasons for protesting. “On July 18th, 2024, City Church employee Jeremy Rusk maced Amarillo citizens that weren’t committing a crime. City Church Pastor Donnie Lane approved of this,” said Billups. “I am speaking up on behalf of those who have no voice. I know too well what it's like to be invisible, forgotten and dispensable.”

According to Billups, an investigation has recently begun regarding the situation, though no charges have been brought. Billups is seeking records related to the incident, though the city has told him it will cost $1,273.50 for those records. Billups is raising money to help pay the cost, though he stressed that the lantern was unrelated to the records.

Billups then offered a challenge, though he again stressed it was unrelated to his lantern.

“I cordially invite Pastor Donny Lane or any religious leader to come to the steps of City Hall and convince me that Jeremy Rusk acted correctly and I should not be protesting. If you can do that, I will stop protesting immediately,” Billups told The Amarillo Pioneer. “I hold no degrees and barely graduated Borger High School. If I am wrong, this will be easy.”