Right there. >> Ben Franklin. Okay, do you have identification on you? >> No. >> No, okay. >> No. >> You don't have ID? >> No. So, I feel I feel like you're discriminating against me just because I have a camera. >> What seemed like ordinary filming made the entire building react as if it were facing a threat. But when confronted by a citizen who knew the law, every reaction that crossed the line could become a legal question for the people in authority themselves. >> This it's the first It's the First Amendment, sir. >> I don't give a [ __ ] dude. >> Well, good for you. >> here pulling [ __ ] >> Well, nobody told you to get out of the line and come over here and talk to us. >> You just lost it. >> Well, you're an [ __ ] dude. >> Sir, don't be rude. >> Yes, you are. >> The moment the camera turned on, a public service officer rushed to draw a line of authority. But in front of a citizen who knew the law, every wrong move could become legal evidence. A man walked into City Hall with nothing but a camera in his hand, but within minutes, the entire building began treating him like a threat. And when a legal right to record was labeled suspicious, the story quickly turned in a direction no one there wanted to face. >> Hi, sir. Can I help you? >> Hi, how are you? >> Hi. >> I actually just >> Can you step in to the >> Yeah, I Yeah, I got locked out. >> Okay. Yeah, I know because it does lock. What can we do [music] for you? >> Oh, nothing. I'm just an independent journalist. I'm gathering content for a story here at City Hall. >> Okay. >> [music] >> And did you sign in in front? >> Correct, yeah. >> You did. Okay, so let's just move our way up to the front. And so So, you're independent journalist? You don't have any >> No, independent. Independent. >> All right, that's fine. Let's just walk up to the front of the building just to see your your sign-in sheet. >> Yeah, I have no I have no reason to lie to you, man. >> No, no, no. Not that you would ever reason to lie. We just need to check identification and sign in. >> Yeah. >> That's all. We can walk up. He's waiting for the health department. >> And you are, ma'am? >> My name? >> Yeah. [music] >> My name is Deirdre. >> Deirdre? And And what capacity do you work here? >> What capacity? >> Yeah, what >> I'm a I'm a clerk with the city. >> You're a city clerk. >> Yep. Now, have you uh did you come into the building for any documentation? >> Correct. Yeah. I'm going to be doing an open records request as well. >> But you have Have you submitted it yet? >> No, I have not submitted the open records request. No. >> Not a problem. Do you need to submit an open records request? >> Yes, I'm going to. >> Okay, then let's uh that would be in the city clerk's office. So, let's uh let's do that. >> Mayor's office over here. >> Okay, where's the signing sheet? >> What's that? >> I think I did that already. >> I don't know what this lady thinks. >> It's not open right now. >> Yeah. >> All right, let me just see where was the signing sheet. >> [music] >> Yeah, I signed in right over here, ma'am. >> Okay. >> Right here. >> And where is your >> Right there. >> Ben Franklin? [music] >> Correct. >> Okay, do you have identification on you? >> Yes. >> No. >> No, okay. >> No. >> You don't have [music] ID? >> No. I wouldn't No, even if I did I don't have it, but even if I did I wouldn't give it to you. >> Okay. >> [music] >> Yeah. >> Thank you. All right. >> No. >> Here's >> This is a This is a public building, ma'am. >> No, no, no. I underst- I understand that. [music] I understand that. Due to the fact that we do have a sign-in sheet, that's why I was asking. >> Do you check everybody who signs in? >> What's that? [music] >> Do you guys check everybody who signs in? >> work in the fr- I don't I don't work in the front lobby, so >> So, exactly. So, I feel I feel like you're discriminating against me just because I have a camera. >> No, well, I I mean I mean typically, honestly, we haven't seen, you know, people walking around to different offices with a camera recording. So, I was just, [music] you know, in seeing that >> But it would make sense It would make sense that I'm a journalist and that's why I'd be walking around with the camera. >> The moment the warning ended, the atmosphere inside City Hall shifted into a tense wait. But when the officers arrived, they did not open with aggression. They opened with a statement that made the entire situation even more unexpected. >> What's going on, man? >> How are you? >> Hey, how are >> All right. My name's Detective Donnis. Sergeant Wade is coming in. >> Sergeant Wade? >> Yeah. >> And Detective Donnis? Okay. >> Can I ask why you're filming? >> Yeah, sure. Yeah, I'm an independent journalist. I'm just gathering content for a story. >> Okay, very good. Can I ask your name? >> Uh my sign-in sheet is there. >> Oh, did you? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, your name is Ben Franklin? >> I signed [music] in downstairs. >> Okay. Are you here to see someone? >> Well >> We're open on a limited basis just like by appointment. >> Yeah, well, I have I have >> and everything. >> Yeah, no, I understand. I'm not going anywhere. There's not a lot of people in here. I'm just >> [music] >> getting the posters here, getting the walls. That's it. >> said, they're they're open by appointment only. >> Yeah. [music] >> Just because of the COVID recent COVID outbreak. They don't want a lot of people in and out of the building. >> Yeah. No, I thought that was the whole point of signing in so they [music] can monitor that, but no one told I I they told me I could film as much as I want. >> stop. You can't film it. It's just if you're not here to see someone >> No, I am here to see I I am here to see someone, correct. >> Who? >> The city Yeah, the city clerk. I don't need an appointment. That's what I'm saying, that I I I think you got bad uh information, [music] Sergeant. >> I thought they were only open on a limited basis because of the recent COVID outbreak. >> No, they told me that I can go see the city clerk whenever I want, and that's my plan to go see the city [music] clerk. That's correct. >> walk around and film? >> Yeah, after I walk around and get all the uh architecture of the building, the the posters that are [music] posted, you know, that's that's all I'm doing here. >> Okay. >> Nothing major. >> Just so you're aware, you're free to go ahead and film. >> Oh, sure. Yeah. I mean, we live in America. I would hope so. >> [music] >> I I would hope so. Free to leave. >> Can I see the sweater? >> The officers were still there, but the cameraman did not choose silence or retreat. Instead, [music] he began framing the issue in a way that made the original police call harder and harder to justify. >> No, he's downstairs now. >> That makes people nervous, you know. >> Yeah, but I mean, can you guys see if if like let's say a lot of these there's a cameras all over this building, correct? It would be a waste of resources, right? If I just walked into this building and I called you and I was like, uh officers, I'm feeling really uncomfortable because I'm being uh filmed everywhere I'm [music] going. Now, if you reverse it like that, doesn't it seem silly? >> You You say you're a journalist? >> Yeah, correct. [music] >> any uh journalist credentials? >> None that I'm None that I'm going to provide, no. None that I'm going to provide. >> Sir, let's think about this way. >> [music] >> Let's think about the norm. >> Yeah. >> Right? So, the security cameras that are all over this building, they're every day, right? >> Correct. >> So, they they become normal in everyday life. Not like the mask that you're wearing. >> I'm glad I'm glad I'm glad you're saying that. >> A guy walking around filming, while you're allowed to, you have your right to do so. We've told you that. It's not normal. Therefore, people call the police cuz they see something out of the norm. >> Okay. So, >> Which is why we come and talk to you. >> Which is and I could I can see that point and which is exactly why >> [music] >> I go around in city buildings and I film. I want it to become normal just because just cuz like we're desensitized to the cameras that are always looming over our heads. There should be no problem with I'm not coming in here saying >> [music] >> I don't have to answer questions. I don't have to do this. I don't have to do that cuz I don't You know that. >> you had a pretty normal conversation with us. I'm sure you've had some worse experiences. >> I'm sure I have. I'm positive I have. And that's And And that's not what I'm looking for. I just I want a positive experiences. I want people to respect my rights the same [music] way There is There is no expectation. >> It seemed like the camera had pushed everything too far, but the conversation that followed opened up a different perspective. As the tension began to settle, the story was no longer just about who was right or wrong. It was about whether public authority is truly ready to be watched. >> Your name, please? Can I get your name? >> No, I Yeah, I'm talking to you. That's correct. >> Yeah, Major. >> Major? >> That's a name. >> Yeah, do you do you Do you work for the Do you work for the city? >> Yeah. >> In what capacity? >> Uh I work with the mayor. >> You work with the mayor's office? Okay, great. >> good? Is there anything >> Yeah, no. I just I I I I heard you over there, you know, trying to disparage my character. >> No, I was telling you that you were >> allowed to do this. >> Yeah, but you're trying to say that I'm trying to antagonize people, and that's not true. >> No, no, no, no. What I said was No, I said if the people feel uncomfortable, God forbid, >> Yeah. >> don't make them feel uncomfortable. >> Okay. Come on. But I But I But I haven't been. Yeah, no. I'm I'm okay. I'm I'm doing a request right now, but I You know, >> I'm saying is this. [music] We don't mind. This is a public building. >> Yeah, for sure. >> Do what you want. >> I know that. >> Upstairs, downstairs, and everything else like that. There's no problem. >> Yeah. >> That's perfect. >> Okay. >> I just want to let you know that. That's my intention. My intention My intention [music] is only to hold the government, the city, accountable and transparency. >> I'm with you on that. I'm with you on that. >> That's all That's my own purpose. That's But I'm not here sticking cameras in people's faces. I thought If I If I mischaracterized what I heard, I I apol- I apologize. Yeah. Yeah. >> The only thing is what they do is sometimes they're >> [music] >> supposed to call a head office that you want to visit. >> Okay. >> Because it's it's open, but it's like a closed Not closed in a They just want to let you know which room you have to go to, so they're aware that somebody's coming, just in case there are other people that are waiting online not to cause a >> Like a backup? >> A backup. Thank [music] you. Simply worded. >> [laughter] >> Backup. >> Yeah, no. That's it. But you're you're allowed to film what you want. It's a public >> I And I just want you to know, Major, that [music] um I've been you know, I've been more than cordial with everybody and I'm not sitting there just holding cameras in people's faces. >> We got a call. >> Yeah. >> Call was this person following and people getting hurt. People just getting hurt. >> Yeah, so but they come up to me and I and they come up to me and I'm like >> The incident ended peacefully, but it also served as a warning that a civilized society should never let the fear of being recorded outweigh the people's right to hold their government accountable. Next, a public licensing office suddenly claimed it was private property. And from one question about transparency, the camera exposed a contradiction that stretched the entire scene to the breaking point. >> I've worked like this for a while. What are we doing for you, hon? >> I'm just working on another video. >> What are we doing for you? What are we doing? >> Can we get an English and Spanish handbook, please? >> Yes. >> In Spanish and English? >> Yes, both. >> We have We have English. We don't have Spanish. >> You don't have a Spanish one? >> You talking about like a driver book? >> Thank you very much. >> [laughter] >> Is that all we're doing? Or are you guys needing something else? >> We're working on a video about this facility, that's why. >> Oh. >> Hi, how are you? Good. Can I have your name? >> Surely, Turner. What do you need? >> We're just working on a little video about this this driver's license >> in here. >> Why not? >> Because everything in here is private information. >> Is this a Is it your job to secure that? >> Well, you want to step outside and we'll talk out here. >> Well, I mean, are you in line to get a DMV something done? >> Sure. >> What is it you're needing done for you? >> Can I get a public public form? >> For what? >> Can I get a public records request form? >> A public records request? >> This is a government building, right? >> No, this is a privately owned business. >> Who owns this? >> Um, Main Street Merchants Association. >> You guys are not part of the state? >> No. >> No? >> So, I need you to stop >> who who gives license plates? No, this this is not right. You're wrong. >> Okay, what is it you need? >> Can I Can I speak to your >> I am the manager. >> So, you're saying this is privately funded? >> Yes. >> The DMV is privately funded? >> Yes. >> Since when? >> Since uh forever. >> Can you give me the paperwork that states that because >> No, I don't have any paperwork for that. >> Okay. Do you have another supervisor that we can speak to? >> I'm the manager here. What is it you guys need? >> Well, [music] we go we work on we work on government offices. This is a government office. >> This is not a government office. >> This is open to the public though, right? You guys This is open to the public, correct? >> At our discretion, yes. >> Since when? >> This This office opened in 1996 and has been privately owned since that day. >> Privately owned? >> It says right here, not operated by state of Missouri. >> Oh. >> The DMV doors had just closed behind them, but the questions about public oversight were far from over. And before silence could return, a voice from the waiting line suddenly pulled the entire situation into an even more tense direction. >> You're not really being a nice person, you know. They're supposed to be nice, courteous, professional to the public. They work for the public. Do you think it's nice of them to leave these people out here waiting? >> [music] >> No. They don't deserve that. Do you think the city deserves them calling the police and wasting tax dollars so this gentleman can come over here? >> You're wasting our time with your little with your little sermons because >> This is the You're looping nothing. It's the First Amendment, sir. >> I don't give a [ __ ] dude. >> Well, good for you. >> here pulling [ __ ] >> Well, nobody told you to get out of the line and come over here and talk to us. >> You just lost me. >> Well, you're an [ __ ] dude. >> Sir, don't be >> Yes, you are. >> Well, that's the first amendment. It's the first amendment, sir. >> You don't know nothing. You're over here stirring [ __ ] up that you don't even like. >> Why are you angry, sir? Why are you angry? No, I'm not angry. >> You were being a little [ __ ] with your little phone if >> No one Why are You're You're He's being He's being You're being disorderly. He's He's being dis- He's being disorderly. Can you please detain him? >> As the argument outside the DMV began moving far beyond a simple question, police also appeared on scene. But instead of backing down, the cameraman immediately turned the encounter into a challenge over the right to record and the demand for transparency. >> How's How's How's it going, officer? Hold on. Can I have your name Can I Can I have your name and badge number, officer? Can I have your name? >> Officer Salsa, badge number 124. >> Okay, so can you please tell me Is this a Is this Is this open to the public or not? >> It is. >> Okay, why are they kicking us out? >> I I'm getting my sergeant down, okay? We've had >> If they have a complaint, who can they complain to? >> You see, I We've done nothing wrong. This gentleman over here is calling us names for no reason, but it's the first amendment, so you have the right to do that. It falls under this is same thing with the camera. >> You just want to step over here with me and just talk to me one-on-one. >> I'm not wasting anybody's time, man. I I'm actually educating thousands, sir. I'm educating thousands. Google us, sir. Auditing You're going to be famous, sir. Do you know Do you know where you're at? You're in Auditing America right now. Sure, I'll speak with you. You seem like a nice guy. Well, >> What's going on today, man? >> We're trying to go in there, conduct [music] business, and while we do that, we want to document it. I guess they're scared of cameras or something. They're also saying this is not operated by the state of Missouri, but it's open to the public, so we have the right to go in there the same as everybody else. >> What kind of a business are you trying to get in there? Are you trying to get your license renewed or what's going on? >> I'm trying to get information on these on driver's license and I'm trying to see if they have a public records request form that I can have. Also, I'm trying to go in there and document it because we can't docu- document videos in private [music] pri- private property. So, we only do it in public places, places that we're allowed to to be. >> So, I got a couple people before doing the same thing. I get it, man. >> I appreciate you. We go all over the country bringing awareness on freedom of the press. >> We're just trying to like diffuse the situation. >> No, actually no one is no one here was screaming, no one was being nasty until the gentleman over here with the Jesus Christ uh flip-flops on. >> Just as the dispute reached the edge of a legal showdown, a female sergeant appeared as if everything was about to be settled. But her next answer left viewers asking, >> [music] >> was the real problem the camera or the way authority was being used? >> Come complain about How you How you doing, ma'am? Good to see you. Can I have your name and badge number, ma'am? >> Hi. Yeah. Yeah. What's going on today? >> Well, we're we're just a little bit confused. We're trying to go into the DMV, conduct business like everybody else. I guess the people over here don't like the First [music] Amendment, freedom of the press. They told us to step out. They said it's private property. We would never trespass into private property. So, we're just confused. We want to know if we're actually legally allowed to walk into this building and conduct business like everyone else or is it illegal to have our cameras on? >> That this is private property, so I don't know who you talked [music] to inside. Who was inside that you talked to? >> The bouncer at the door. >> Is it Isn't it open to the public? >> What did you just say? >> The bouncer at the door? >> Okay. It's private property. If they asked you to leave, you guys have to leave. >> Who finds it Who financed this place? >> Not me. >> Okay, it's private property. If it's private property, we respect private property. But right now we're in public property. And you, sir, you're anti-American, sir. You're anti-American. >> I think you're wasting your time. >> No, I'm not. No, I'm not. I'm going to generate some revenue. I'm going to generate some revenue. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Well, it's the first amendment, sir. He needs to He needs to understand that. >> Let's diffuse the situation. >> I am. No one's being violent. No one's being nasty. No one is being loud. Well, you want to call me an [ __ ] you get the first amendment right back, buddy. I am going to educate a lot of people from this, sir. Thousands, sir. About 185,000 people in my channel. We have almost 100 million combined views. That's who's going to watch it. Thank you. Thank you. It's the first amendment, sir. You just made yourself a fool in Auditing America. Thank you, sir. >> After the on-scene investigation, it seemed like police had enough information to reach a clear conclusion. But one warning about disorderly conduct immediately drove the cameraman straight to the key question. If that was a crime, where was the legal basis? >> So, it's private property? >> It's private property. She has asked you guys to leave that she doesn't want you guys to record inside the building. >> And we did. And we did. As soon as she said We were just trying to Well, nothing. We're in public. We're exercising the first amendment. We're all good. If it's private property, it's private property. >> As long as you're not being disruptive, I don't have an issue, okay? >> What What would you consider that? >> As long as you're not being disruptive. >> What if we're What Okay, don't Can't people prot- peacefully protest? In a prot- In a protest, people are loud, right? >> being If you're disturbing other people, and we get a call >> amendment and disturbing >> I'm not I'm [music] not even this isn't about the first amendment. >> Yes it is. Yes it is. It's the first It's the first article of your job, ma'am. You swore to protect the first amendment. We have We're talking about it. So So it is about the What's disorderly? Can you Can you specifically say how we were being disorderly, ma'am? Because that's breaking the law. That's a crime. If we were being disorderly, you'd be arresting me right now. And we did. And we did as soon as they told us. But disorderly is a crime. So please don't accuse me of being disorderly, ma'am. >> I I'm saying that if anybody here calls us back [music] here, any of these customers here >> Well, they can call They have the freedom to call It's your job Have we disturbed anyone here? Have we disturbed Yeah, what about our peace? What about our peace? This is open to the public. What if Well, you guys did not call me. Well, he saw it. He saw it. We have the witness right there. No, no, so we have to call you for you to help us? >> I'm asking you where he's at. >> We just said he went inside. He's the guy with the fedora hat. He got in our face and started calling us [ __ ] right to our face. It's okay, it's the first amendment to say what he wants, but he needs to stay the [ __ ] back. >> If he bothers you again, just call us back. He's inside doing his business, correct? >> The incident ended with no arrest and no charges, but the camera clearly exposed the thin line between the people's right to oversight and the avoidance of transparency inside [music] a place meant to serve the public. Citizens can sue police under Section 1983 when their rights are violated. Officers who violate those rights may [music] face compensation payouts, disciplinary action, or even termination. When transparency is avoided, the camera is no longer the real issue. The real issue is how citizens' rights are respected. So what do you think about this situation? If you enjoyed the video, don't forget to like, subscribe, and consider supporting us with a donation. Thank you so much.