Dariush Namazi in character as Danny Kulmann holding a "Keep Thornton Straight" sign at Adams County Pride on June 10 at Riverdale Regional Park.

Scott Taylor

Adams County Justice Center

Luke Zarzecki

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An Adams County magistrate made Thornton Mayor Jan Kulmann’s temporary protection order permanent at a hearing on July 18. 

Previously, Kulmann received an order that Dariush Namazi will stay at least five yards away from Kulmann and included stipulations that Namazi will not stalk, harass or threaten her. Magistrate Michael Garlan made that order permanent but with some changes.

Namazi will still need to be 15 feet away from Kulmann. However, the magistrate defined contact as physical contact since previously the order said: “shall have no contact of any kind.” 

That change comes in regard to concerns of free speech. Namazi and his attorney’s argument against the order was that it was a “SLAPP,” - a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. 

The reason for the 15 feet distance away from Kulmann is due to the distance between the podium in council chambers and Kulmann’s chair. Namazi will still be able to come to council, make public comments and show up to city events.

The magistrate said that Namazi communicating with Kulmann is not a violation, but being within 15 feet and touching her will be a violation. 

During the hearing, Namazi said his actions are his way of protest. He’s been sporting his alias “Danny Kulmann” at city council and city events, wearing a Make America Great Again hat and a shirt with Kulmann’s face on it while pairing Jan Kulmann and other candidates for council with far-right political figures. 

During his closing argument, Kulmann’s attorney, Justin Cohen, said that Namazi has repeatedly followed Kulmann and invaded her personal space. He compared the situation to President Joe Biden, where Namazi would not be able to follow Biden as close and run out to touch him.

During the hearing, a Thornton police officer testified that Namazi touched his butt. Kulmann said she lost 10 pounds and sleep due to the stress of the situation. 

Namazi’s attorney, Steven Zansberg who also represents Colorado Community Media, said during his closing arguments that Kulmann did not have enough evidence to prove a fear of physical safety. He said following a candidate around and saying she’s a MAGA candidate isn’t stalking. 

He also said the evidence shows Kulmann wasn’t afraid to be around Namazi, only when he was filming or photographing her. 

“The Court should put an end, forthwith, to Petitioner’s abuse of the judicial process for her own political ends,” Zansberg wrote in a motion to dismiss the complaint.