I'm just working on a video. I'm part of the press. I'm not here to bother you in any way. Please please don't. >> have you in here recording or taking pictures. >> We've already shown you >> me a favor and hang out by the front of that vehicle for me? >> I'm being detained? >> Yes, you are being detained. >> For what crime? >> The crime of disorderly conduct. >> A single camera, a few heated exchanges, and suddenly everything escalates into shocking allegations of abuse of power. >> I'm just working on a story. >> Yeah. >> No, you cannot take pictures or record inside of here, which that you're doing. You cannot do that. >> We have the first amendment right to be in a public building. We're not disturbing the business. We're not being loud. We're not harassing customers. >> When power turns into abuse of power, wrongdoing is not only exposed, but also held accountable under the law. A group of YouTubers arrived at a government building to film, claiming their first amendment right to freedom of the press. However, before they could even settle in, they were immediately ordered to stop recording and leave the area. >> DMV >> Okay, so you want to see my ID? I'll be right back, okay? Do you have a mask, sir? >> I'm medically exempt. I have paperwork. >> Okay, how can I help you? And you can't do that, man. >> I'm sorry? >> You can't do that. >> Yes, I can. >> No, you can't. >> Why not? >> Cuz this is a government building. You can't record or you can't take pictures inside. >> Since when? >> Since forever. >> No. It's a public place. Relax. Relax. Relax. Don't >> Hey, honestly, um since you're medically exempt, I'mma give you a ticket and need for you to stand back outdoors, okay? Whenever they get called for your number, I'mma bring you in, okay? >> I'm just working on a video. I'm part of the press. I'm not here to bother you in any way. Please please don't. >> have you in here recording or taking pictures. >> Why not? >> Cuz that's what they have me saying I do, so hey, just step back out the step back out the door for me. >> I'm right here. I'm not bothering this >> I need you to step back out the door. >> Why? >> Cuz I literally said what I had to say. >> I know, sir, but I'm not trying to disturb the the business here in any way. I'm just working on a story. We have the right We have the right to be here, yeah. >> No, you cannot take pictures or record inside of here, which is what you're doing. You cannot do that. >> I'm telling you, we we would never break the law. >> But you're breaking it right now. I'm I'm I literally asked you four times. >> Well, may I don't It's not law. >> Okay. All right. Um >> Lower your voice. Lower your voice, bro. >> I'm I'm done. I'm really done. >> No, but relax, bro. >> See, you got like stop recording me, please. >> Sir, please. Just >> Stop recording me, please. >> Just please leave me alone, sir. I'm not bothering >> be in here. >> I'm not bothering you, sir. >> Can you ask him >> Could you explain to him that we are we're not bothering anyone? We're actually part of the press, and we have the right to be here since it's a public building. Could you please >> have the right to record us without our permission, now. >> Since when? Are we in North Korea? This is a public building financed by tax dollars. We're allowed to be here. >> individuals. There's private documents everywhere, so you need to turn that off and delete >> That's not Well, that's delete it. >> Yeah. >> Before the argument could settle, things escalated even further. When neither side could reach common ground, an unexpected decision was made, pushing the situation beyond control. >> Like for you guys to, please, back up. We're working on a video. You're >> Can you >> You're interrupting my video. >> Stop recording >> our work. >> No, I'm not. >> Stop recording, sir. >> Stop, please. Please. You're creating a You're creating a problem here, bro. >> No, you're recording. >> We're working Are you a supervisor? >> I am. >> Look, look, he's a supervisor. Look, bro, we're done with you. We're done. We we do. Video recording and we also need a ticket, please. >> For what? >> To obtain public records from this from this building. >> We actually don't get public records here. We can give you the form for that. >> Okay, I also need a Spanish handbook and an English handbook. >> All right. So, go ahead and step outside since you're not wearing a mask. We'll get that >> Sir, I'm medically exempt for that. I've already stated that. >> We're going to get you a ticket. Our policy is that you step outside until your ticket is called. >> I'm not I'm That's a policy, sir. It's not a law. I have the right to be here and video record. I'm not trying to create a problem. >> You already created one and I'm done. >> the one You're You're calling 911 for Don't call 911. >> No, I'm done. I'm done. >> unless an officer escorts me out of this building. >> Very good. You're not an officer and neither are you. >> So, let me ask you this. Do you have business in this building besides recording? What is that business? >> Don't call me. Don't call. >> I'm done. >> How you feel as a black guy calling the police on people, bro? >> you the option, man. >> Come on, bro. Don't do that. >> I gave you the option. >> Don't do that. What option? Why you Why you calling the police? Who's break Who's broken the law? >> He explained to me he has no business to be here. >> Sir. Sir, we have the right We have the right We have the right to be here. >> Yeah, you have no other business. You have to have a mask inside the building. >> Sir, I refuse to wear a mask. >> I have to ask you to leave out the building. >> Sir, it's not a law. The governor already lifted that. >> No, he really didn't. >> Yeah, he did. >> They got to put the paperwork right there on the door. >> Sir. Hello. Awesome. Why you calling >> Um Beach Grove license branch. Um B&V. I have really just one guest refusing to leave. The other one refuses to stop recording at the um request of the manager and the security guard. >> As tensions reached their peak, the decision to call the police was finally made. The atmosphere shifted from a heated argument to a clear confrontation. And just minutes after law enforcement arrived, instead of calming things down as expected, the situation escalated even further into an intense dispute. >> How are you doing, sir? >> Good. >> Right here, real quick. Uh we're working on a YouTube video. We have the First Amendment right to be in a public building. This gentleman is disagreeing with me. I begged him not to call you. We're not disturbing the business. We're not being loud. We're not harassing customers. Uh >> Do you have any business here? >> We do. >> What's your business? >> Video recording. Yes. So, I I'm going to need your super- I'm going to need your supervisor, please, because this this is business, sir. >> He's on his way. >> Okay, good. This is business. And also, if you really want me to have business >> business? >> This is DMV business. What do you think I'm recording? I'm creating I'm working on a story. >> ID? Are you getting license plates? Are you getting registrations? >> Well, I could I could get I could get any of the services, right? I could, right? But I'm being honest. >> are you >> Well, I I am. How's that? Cuz since you're kicking me out, I am now. >> Okay. >> But >> I need your ID real quick. >> Am I being detained? Sir, do you know who Auditing America is? I suggest you do the right thing. I I I I >> can trespass you, so I need to >> crime? For what crime? >> they said you're refusing to leave. >> Well, you have to do an investigation. You can't just go by what they said. I'm I have the right to be in a public place. >> They called. >> Okay, anyone can call. >> Right. >> And and I'm not breaking the law. >> they've asked you to leave and you've refused. >> That's because I have the right to be there. They don't They can't just kick me out, you know? I'm not being rude to them. Just trying to explain to them that >> a hangout spot. You're loitering. >> Sir, loitering? Sir, I'm working. This video generates revenue, which gets taxed. >> You have to have business at the business. >> Well, I am. I am. I am. I requested I requested I requested paperwork. They don't want to help me. Sir. >> What paperwork did you ask >> I requested handbooks, public records request forms, and they are denying, sir. >> Why do you >> like speaking with you right now, cuz you think this is a private property that you can trespass people. You're wrong about that. >> How's this a public >> It's publicly funded. Who Who finances this entire operation? The public, the citizens. You guys are forcing people to come here and pay fees and all this, right? >> finance Huntington Bank as well? >> You finance the entire city finances this operation. This is a state office or a city office? >> office. >> It's a state. Okay. >> [music] >> As arguments continued with neither side willing to back down, the situation seemed to momentarily settle, but the tension still lingered beneath the surface. And just when it appeared things might end there, another development reignited the conflict, pushing the confrontation into an even more unpredictable phase. >> And as long as we're not disturbing the peace or we're not uh interrupting the business, can you agree with me that we absolutely have the right of freedom of the press, First Amendment right, protected activity? Can we agree to that? >> Have they asked you to leave? >> They have, but we have the right to be there. That's the That's the thing. >> Have you talked to them? >> We stepped out. We stepped out to talk to you guys, but but we have >> The security guy came out. >> How you doing, ma'am? Can I have your name and badge number, please? >> Uh who's he? >> What's your name? >> He walked back inside. >> Thank you, ma'am. Would you agree that we have the First Amendment right to video record inside the inside the DMV as long as we're not being disorderly or breaking any laws? Would you agree? >> that right, yes. >> Okay. >> have to have business here. >> Sir, you're not understanding. >> Sir, no no it's not like Walmart. Walmart is private. Now, if I'm out in a private place, then I'll be more than glad to step out. >> scaring people here? >> No no, how am I scaring you? >> know. I said what if? >> Well, I'm not. >> You're more than welcome to leave. >> I'm I'm not. And I'll tell you something, sir. Even if I was scaring people, as long as I'm not talking violence, people's feeling >> here. >> People's people >> Well, sir, that people's feelings can't stop me from working. >> Maybe that's why they called. >> No, they said that we can't >> them to be alarmed by your actions. That's >> Well, I'm not No. No. No. How is that? Specifically, hold on hold on hold on hold on hold on. Specifically, how is another person's actions my fault? No, I'm not I'm not speaking violence. I'm not loitering. >> [music] >> I'm I'm actually generating revenue, which is going to get taxed. I have the right to work on a story and publish it. I'm engaged in a con- I reported. I have 100 million views on the internet if you really want to go into details. I'm my own boss. I don't need credentials because I'm my own boss. I can give credentials to my employees. But there's not an agency that gives you credentials. If you're asking for credentials, you ma'am you don't know the the definition of disorderly conduct. Because disorderly conduct involves tumultuous behavior. It involves loud and unreasonable noises. We're not doing any of that, although we have the right to protest. >> Just when it seemed things were cooling down, the reality was the complete opposite. As tensions were pushed to the edge, a new turning point emerged, bringing the situation closer than ever to the brink of a forceful action. >> They called me. You're one of those. Well, I I got a call. I received a call. >> No, we can't we >> People peo- You are a cop. You do You you don't You don't want Yeah, but you don't want to investigate either. >> Well, you're the first one you came running at me. >> You said >> You haven't given me a chance. >> You got out of the car and started saying that this is like Walmart. This is not like Walmart. This is public. It's not It's a bad It's a terrible example. >> And that was 7-8 minutes into our conversation. >> Correct. It's a terrible example. And you said that we can't be in there. You could trespass. You you're you want to be you want to charge me with disorderly conduct. And guess what happens? Okay. >> Is there anything else we can do for you? You got what you wanted. You got your video. >> No, I didn't I want to go back in there without my mask. >> already explained to you >> Okay. Okay, sir. So, would you arrest me if I go in there without a mask? >> What's that? >> Would you arrest me if I go in there without a mask? >> If they want you to leave, you don't leave. >> For they they don't have that privilege. That's the thing. Can you get your Are you Are you his superior? Sir, under what law you would you arrest me for for not wearing a mask? That's not true. Okay, trespassing? >> We answered all your questions. >> Did you know that the >> There were no handcuffs, no arrest as many had expected, only warnings and a highly controversial ending. So, who was really in the right? And will this end here, or is it just the beginning of a much bigger debate? Up next, just seconds after the camera started rolling, a sudden confrontation erupted inside the post office. Shouting, finger pointing, and rapid warnings filled the air, making the situation extremely tense. But, that was only the beginning. >> Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Who you screaming at? Who you screaming at? Who you screaming at? >> I'm screaming at you. >> Don't you get You need to get away from me. Don't touch me. >> from me. >> Don't touch me. >> Get away from my bank account. Get away from me. >> one's touching you. Get away. >> Stop it. >> DON'T YOU SCREAM AT HER. YOU STOP. >> What are you doing in here? >> I'm filming. >> from me. >> You get away. >> You have no right in here. >> Who do you think you are screaming at her? Who do you think you are screaming >> who I am. I've got my bank ACCOUNT >> YOU THINK YOU ARE TRYING TO GET? I GOT MY OWN BANK ACCOUNT. I DON'T need your [ __ ] bank account. Get away from her. And from me. >> I'm filming you. >> Get away from me. >> You raise that hand up and you get at me, we're going to have a problem. >> That goes both ways. That goes both ways. >> And you guys, if you don't back off now >> Call them. Call them. You guys are being disorderly. >> Who are you? Who are you? >> This guy is Please don't touch me. >> We don't want you here. Get away from >> Don't tell me what to do. And don't you ever And don't you ever tell her what TO DO, EITHER. DON'T YOU EVER TELL HER WHAT TO DO, EITHER. >> Get away from me. >> You get away. No one >> He was on me. >> No, you were RIGHT THERE. >> STAY AWAY from me. >> I came UP TO YOU WHEN YOU WERE SCREAMING at her, liar. >> Guys, please. I'm asking you. I'm asking >> Are you a police officer? >> I'm asking for >> Are you a police officer? >> I'm next in line to do my business. >> That's fine, then go ahead, brother. But, we're not here for you. >> You guys just killed the air. >> No, you don't tell us what to do either. You're in line, that's fine. You don't like that. I don't like nobody screaming at my friend. >> Nobody cares. >> I care. Don't tell me what to do. You're speaking like a cop. If you're a cop, tell me. If not, please leave me alone. I'm not here for you. Don't give me orders, please. We have authorization to be here, actually. All right, so I'm If you don't want to be filmed, you can go to another post office. We have authorization here. What are you going to do? You're going to get violent, too? Over a camera? Is that what it is? >> What seemed like a routine argument quickly spiraled out of control as tensions rose by the second. Then in just a moment, things crossed beyond words, pushing the situation into a dangerous turn no one saw coming. >> I'm nothing but princesses and little snowflakes over here. What? What? >> from my wife. >> You stay away from my girlfriend, from my friend. Stay away from my friend. What are you going to do, bro? If you touch me, I'm going to sue the [ __ ] out of you, and then I'll get into your bank account. Touch me. You see that guy just assaulted me? I'm going to get his license plate. I'll make sure I get your license plate cuz you assaulted me. It's on video. It's on video. >> I think you're high. Your girl is high, [ __ ] >> We're going to film We're going to get your license plate. Yo, come over here. Come over here. This guy >> Stay away from me. I'm going to stab you in the [ __ ] eye. >> Oh, you're going to stab I'm going to get your license plate. >> So, don't follow us. Leave us alone. >> I'm going to find out who you are. >> You're invading my privacy. Leave me alone. I can't tell. I've got one arm. Get the [ __ ] away from me. >> You get away. >> And I have two arms. Here they come, right here. >> Awesome. Awesome, cuz you hit me, and it's It's video. You're We're going to Yo, watch out with this guy. >> and see what they're going to do. You know, my wife is sitting with her just out of the hospital and you start in on her. Is that what you do? Huh? >> Good. Good, they're here. Good. You're going to jail. You're going to jail, [ __ ] You're going to jail. >> [ __ ] >> Yeah, you're going to jail. All right, this guy This guy needs to go to jail. This guy needs to go to jail. This guy needs to go to jail. He assaulted Can I have your name and badge number, please? >> I wasn't filming when I wasn't filming when you told me. What is it? >> Ariana 426 >> Thank you so much. Why are you running my Why is Why is he running my my ID instead of doing a report? >> We It's common. We run everybody and attach everybody to the report so that everybody's name's on the report. >> Okay. >> practice. We do it with every contact we make so we know who we're making contact with. >> That's good. >> After the situation seemed to have reached its peak, the arrival of law enforcement drew all eyes to the scene. But instead of calming things down, the accusations and arguments took an even more unpredictable turn. As new details began to emerge, the story became far more complicated. >> Go inside real quick and you told me that they gave you permission to be in the video tape. >> We have authorization for news purposes. Every post office has authorization from the postmaster. But as soon as we got here, concerned citizen asked why they were filming and and and I have them on video. They said it They said we have the right. So no employee ever interfered. They should have though cuz they should have said, "Hey, they have the right to be here, you know?" And that's it. Everything would have ended. But they all kept their mouths shut, bro. And they didn't They decided not to get involved instead of instead of educating him. >> I could get that through um >> They didn't want to get involved in that. I understand. >> her or you or even me, whatever. Who If I'm working in there, I would think that's a police issue. Let's call the police, have them come over and explain to them. >> Yeah, for real. >> You know what I mean? >> I hear that. >> Yeah. So she's just verifying that. >> Yeah, I want to press full charges on these guys for for threats and for assault. You can't touch a camera guy uh a news person. >> camera >> I don't want this to happen. >> Stop. Stop. Stop. No communication here, please. >> How long have you been a police officer? >> I've been in law enforcement for 28 years. >> 28? >> 28 years, yes. >> That's good. Thank you Thank you so much. >> Yes, sir. >> We appreciate you investigating investigating this situation properly. We have a lot of police officers who just investigate 50% of the incident and then come out with a conclusion without you know verifying all the facts. >> just It's different because there's a certain particular way we like to do things. Uh like the way she would do an investigation may be different from what the way I would do it. >> Yeah, you guys >> that you're agitated when I first got here. And typically I'm going to use get your ID and I'm going to run. Put you in a moment so they know what's going on with you. You know what I'm saying? That's just the way I do it. And you explain all I want to explain my story first. Okay, you know what? I'll go. And not do an investigation the way I normally would. >> I hear you. >> You know what I mean? >> Man, thank you. I appreciate I appreciate that. >> information. I get the information, right? >> I appreciate that. I appreciate that you you know accommodating this investigation to my to to my to my convenience. Uh >> As things moved into a more formal stage, it seemed the situation would soon be resolved, but it didn't. The arguments continued to simmer, and every word now had the power to shift the outcome. Then, as tensions reached their limit, an unexpected development occurred, pushing the situation closer than ever to a controversial decision. >> Police, they're in charge of enforcing law here. They're they're the ones >> I don't contact postal police. >> Well, you guys supposed to niche >> I think they're in in charge of is when people take mail and damage it. >> Oh, they enforce the law here. It's on it's >> Well, if they need to, but >> Well, if they need to Well, you guys work together. That's what it is. You you you guys have the right to come in here and and neutralize the situation, but you have to contact the postal police because they're the ones that that that enforce the law here. I want to file a report with the postal police. They need to come. Bring him out. >> To serve and protect, it says on their car. >> Serve and protect, huh? >> Yep. >> Let's see. We'll see. >> [laughter] >> High five. >> Again? >> Oh, man. Hey, how's it going, sergeant? >> doing, sir? >> Doing good. Thank you for showing up. Can I have your name and badge number, please? >> Sure. Sergeant France, Patchogue precinct, police department, badge 263. >> Thank you so much. >> We've already shown >> me a favor and hang out by the front of that vehicle for me? >> Am I being detained? >> second. >> Am I being detained? Am I being detained? >> Yes, you are being detained. >> For what crime? >> The crime of disorderly conduct. >> I never I was never disorderly. >> Go ahead and hang out by the car while >> You're illegally detaining me. >> I'm asking you politely, hang out by the >> detaining me. You know that, right? >> As everything came to an end, the loud arguments faded, replaced by a decision that left many questioning. Was justice truly served, or is there still something left unsaid? Citizens may file a lawsuit against [music] police under section 1983 if their rights are violated. Officers who violate those rights could face financial liability and may also be subject to discipline or termination. Society doesn't need more confrontations. >> [music] >> It needs greater understanding, respect, and dialogue. Hey everyone, what do you think about this situation? [music] If you enjoyed the video, don't forget to like, subscribe, and support us with a donation. Thank you so much. >> [music]