The judge overseeing Detroit’s bankruptcy effort has frozen all legal challenges while the city seeks protection from creditors. Detroit’s Chapter 9 bankruptcy filing has set off what could be a prolonged legal battle with thousands of current and former city employees whose pensions and medical benefits face major cuts. On Wednesday, Judge Steven Rhodes stayed all lawsuits against Detroit, its emergency manager and Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan during the bankruptcy process. Outside the hearing, Detroit firefighter Darrell Freeman took part in a rally to save the pensions of public workers.

Darrell Freeman: “Everything Gov. Snyder and Kevyn Orr is doing is illegal and unconstitutional. We’re down here to stand up for our rights as city workers from the fire department. I’m a 29-year veteran. And it’s absurd that they’re trying to take our pensions away, and that was Governor Snyder’s plan from the beginning.”