The ranger was following orders. Orders come from the civil authorities in charge. Politicians. Can’t blame the officer.
I think this is about an area designated for standing and handing out literature. Calling it a “free speech zone” is unfortunate.
That being said, it doesn’t matter if you can hand out literature here or there. If it doesn’t agree with official liberal dogma, you will be arrested, harassed or called a racist/sexist/homophobe/jihadiphobe/
"Ve vere only followink orders."
Not a very good defense, as many an obedient SS-mann would have told you if you'd asked him before he swung from a rope.