I don't I'm just coming in to take pictures. >> You can't You can't take pictures. You need to stop videoing on Cook County property. You need to stop videoing on Cook County property. >> Why is that? >> It's not allowed, sir. >> Ma'am, while I'm here, >> step out the building. Step out the building. You cannot videotape. Ma'am, >> the appearance of a single camera inside a government building was enough to bring multiple high-ranking officers to the scene, turning the situation into a tense and pressure-filled confrontation. Were they there to uncover the truth or to force a lawsavvy citizen to back down? >> But I think it's not right for you to be here video, you know. >> So if you're not here for service, we can ask you to remove yourself from the premises. >> Miss about what he's attempting to try to do. >> What is it that he's attempting? May I >> Sure. A seemingly harmless camera left an entire government office scrambling as demands that may have exceeded legal limits were exposed under the lens of a man who knew his rights. A citizen had barely stepped into a government building with a camera in hand when he was immediately stopped. And the more he asked why, the more intense the employees reaction became, turning an ordinary recording session into an increasingly unpredictable confrontation. Hello You want to sign in at the clipboard and then we can help out. Do you have any questions? >> I'm sorry. Do >> you have any questions? >> No, I don't have any questions. >> If you want to sign in at the clipboard ask sign in right here. >> You have to? >> Yes. What are you doing? >> I I just rather not sign in. I just want to >> You can't be in here. But what do you need? >> I don't I'm just coming in to take pictures. You can't you can't take pictures. You need to stop videoing on Cook County property. >> Why? >> Stop videoing on Cook County property. >> Why is that? >> It's not allowed, sir. >> Oh, wow. >> Ma'am, all I'm hearing >> out building. Step out the building. You cannot videotape. >> Ma'am, don't touch me. >> Are you the manager, ma'am? >> No, you cannot videotape. >> Don't do not touch me and do not touch the building. >> Can't just leave. >> Ma'am, >> please exit the building. >> Do not touch me. >> Exit the building. And do not touch my property. >> 911, please. >> I would appreciate it gladly. >> No. You did you just see what she did? >> Yes, I touched your property. >> No, you you almost broke it and threw it on the floor, man. >> Okay. Cannot videotape a crime. >> You cannot You cannot videotape. No, you can't. >> This is public property. >> No, no, no, ma'am. No, sir. >> This is public property. Are you Are you aware? >> Are you aware that you cannot videotape in Cook County? >> Can I help you? >> Are you the manager, ma'am? >> I am not. >> Okay. Yes, ma'am. someone that that's professional. Uh what I'm here to do is I'm here to do two things. So the first thing I'm here to do is uh film in public, which is a constitutionally protected right. >> It's it's a public space. So you can't film cuz this is a public space. You can't film on public space. >> Okay. >> And and the second thing we need to do is file a foyer, but we definitely need to file a complaint on her. >> Go ahead. >> And we we definitely are. And and uh possibly assault charges because that definitely was assault. >> I can do that, too. >> Okay. >> Can we have your name and number? >> Absolutely not. >> Okay. She's She's very She's unhinged. >> They have your name and number. How you going to file anything? >> She's unhinged. Look at this chick. >> Look at her. She real cute. How you doing? Absolutely not. First and foremost, when people come in, we do ask them to sign in. So that >> just as tension showed no sign of easing, police arrived and seemed poised to settle the matter. >> Instead, their presence sparked an even deeper debate. Where is the line between the right to record and someone's discomfort at being filmed? How you f you doing officer Perez cop? >> Well, real quick. So, I came in today to do two different both. I need to see you both come out. You can still record. I just want to see you both here. >> Okay. So, I came in to do two different things. The first thing I needed to do was come in and exercise our rights to record in public. Second thing I wanted to do is follow foyer. My thing is when I uh came encountered with this lady here to my left and right, she became unhinged almost instantaneously and she grabbed my arm and my phone and slammed it to the ground. So, I want to be able to press charges on her for that. The second thing is this young lady behind you, which is her name is Stacy, is a co-orker of hers came out and educated her that yes, she does have a right to record in public. So, thank God Stacy was here to uh help deescalate. >> Okay. >> So, that's where we're at with that. >> All right. Okay. >> All right. >> So, uh >> Okay. Um if they can't record it, >> no, you can say you don't want to be recorded. >> But and they should respect the city, you don't want to record, but it's a public building and you still public >> because you're in a public building. This But I think I understand that. I know you did not like the street record. >> I understand. And when you said they actually recorded then he has the right to record. I understand they still they still record. >> I told him to say that they >> cuz we have a right. But >> I know you don't want to be recorded and I like to say we don't record me and I know you can't walk because this is where you work at. You're stuck here. >> I understand. Okay. But Haku is future sisters. Did you want to make a record next to her? >> Oh, for sure. Definitely. >> I did. >> Okay. >> Thank God she admitted it. So definitely she >> No, that's great. >> Did you see the whole thing too? >> No, I not her Stacy. >> Okay. From Stacy. >> Stacy and her too. I couldn't hear everything you were just advising. So, if you could recap that for me. No, >> I said this is a public building. So, when you public. >> As the debate showed no sign of ending, a police lieutenant arrived, adding even more tension to the situation. From that moment on, the question was no longer just who was right or wrong. It was whether the incident was being resolved fairly or being steered in an entirely different direction. >> Again, like I was saying, >> my name my name's Alice. James Command. >> James, so like we have a situation actually, right? Came in to do two things, which is exercise our rights to record in public >> and to file a foyer, which is both of them are rights. That's guaranteed. Absolutely. >> U the young lady behind the desk, she wasn't interested in our rights today. So, she came on uh came over and went hands on. Uh she grabbed my hand uh and wrist and made my phone call. >> She grabbed your hand >> because I was recording. >> Okay. >> Did she ask you to stop? >> Yeah, she did. Um a lady that she works with, which is Stacy. Uh, matter of fact, it's the young lady that they're walking with right now. She's walking with him. Um, she told her, she said, "Yes, he's in a public area. He can record." So, she was aware. So, thank God for that. But the young lady who committed the crime wasn't aware. And we want to definitely move forward with um a possible charges uh for >> for assault. >> How did she mean for batteries? Did she put hands on you? >> That's correct. And she admitted it to this officer here right here to your left that she did so as well. Plus, we have it on camera. So, >> okay. My boss is on his way over here. >> Okay. Let me go in and talk to them and find out what's uh what they're what they're >> what the the actual um culprit is leaving the scene. I don't know if >> Yeah. >> So, let me let me talk to them and we'll move forward with this. >> Okay. And you're the deputy commander. >> So, who's coming? The chief. >> No. Uh commander. Commander Galoney and another deputy commander. This is not my normal area. Okay. >> They're coming over. They're going to >> assess the situation. All right. All right. Just give us a give us a moment. >> All right. And then while I'm waiting, I'll probably just go in here like I cuz I still got to file a complaint about what happened and my voice. So >> may I ask that in regard to or you don't have >> the complaint? >> Oh, with a complaint I have to file it still. Even though I'm pressing charges with you guys, I have to file a complaint with the whole force preserve itself and then file it for you. >> Yeah. >> In what regard? What's the complaint? >> Well, what happened? I still have to document it with them, too. >> But what I'm asking is what? As the sergeant struggled to bring the situation to a close, the mention of a higher ranking supervisor suddenly changed the entire dynamic. Was this truly an investigation or had it become a form of invisible detention unfolding in plain sight? >> I passed on what you said. He said he'll be on to speak to you. He's uh still get information in there. So as soon as he does, it means he's going to come and talk to >> who talk to Commander Deloney. He's my boss. >> Okay. So that's what I'm saying. So, uh, I don't really need So, he's going to talk to me what to file a complaint. >> I don't know, sir. He just, it's my boss. He just said that. He said, "Tell him to hold on a minute. We're still talking to these people. We'll be out in a minute talking." So, >> okay. But I still need to file my paperwork. >> Yes, sir. >> And then we'll do that as soon as we're done with this. >> So, I'm not going to be allowed to. >> I What I'm saying is why why am I waiting? >> Where did you hear me say that you're not going to be? >> We're talking about at this moment, Commander. At this moment. >> At this moment. We're still conducting this investigation. We're trying to figure out what's going on. So, by you, that's what I'm saying. By you guys conducting an investigation, are you saying that's what's hindering me from going inside this building right now at this moment? >> Right now, we're conducting an investigation based on what happened, >> right? >> So, give me a moment. My commander said he'll come out and talk. >> So, am I being detained? >> How are you being detained? So, you you're free to go whenever you want. >> Okay. So, well, I'm going to go back in here and conduct my business. If if I'm not going to be, then it's going to be a violation on you guys. >> Sir, there's no violation. What we're saying is we're we're conducting an investigation about the incident that occurred. >> Okay. After being passed through multiple layers of review and scrutiny, all eyes turned to the commander who had just arrived. But instead of offering a clear explanation, he made an unexpected choice. One that sent the entire incident down a completely new path. >> Other business. I don't want to impede >> and we all do. I appreciate that. I appreciate your patience >> for sure. All right. >> So, uh that was uh the commander. I guess that's the header. He's going to go back in. We definitely going to file a complaint. I feel like one of these officer at least did go in there and tell her that we uh wanted her to offer us offer us an apolla. She's probably not willing to do so. Uh so I mean think about I don't see the commander not wanting to go in there and give her that opportunity you know if we're presenting it to her. So someone had probably already told her and she declined. So uh we'll just file these charges and go from there. Y'all make sure y'all stay tuned. No longer take >> Yeah. We were going to write the citation and we're not. >> We feel we feel that proceeding with a long form on the battery misdemeanor would >> misdemeanor battery that would be that would be the way to proceed. We feel that might you know we kind of conduct our preliminary investigation. We feel that that might be the right way right way to proceed. >> Okay. >> So it's your choice. >> What you going to say? >> Or you refuse. >> Oh yeah. >> That's your choice. >> That's your choice. Those are the two choices. So >> well we definitely should just I mean move going forward. Uh, it's a long form battery. >> It's a I call it a long form. It's a it's a it's a misdemeanor complaint for battery. >> Okay. Misdemeanor. Okay. Yeah. I mean, I I wouldn't really want to do that to the young lady. Like I said, if she's willing to apologize, I >> But like you said, commander, you're not willing to um go go see if she is or not. So, we we got to go with the battery. >> No, I didn't say I wasn't willing to go see. What I said was these were the two options that I I'm able to present to you at this time. >> Okay. Okay. Cool. So, >> so you want to sign a complaint? Mr. Barry, correct? >> Okay, very good. >> In the end, the man walked away, but the tension never truly faded. And behind the doors of that government building, lingering questions remained about citizens rights and the conduct of those entrusted with authority. Next, the moment a camera was switched on inside a government building, the atmosphere became tense almost instantly. What began with a seemingly simple question quickly sparked a confrontation that left everyone wondering, would a citizen's rights be respected or challenged? >> Yeah, put me on. >> Huh? >> Don't put me on. >> Why not? >> Cuz I'm at work. I'm trying to do my job. Oh, >> you can still do your job. I'm not Well, >> let me go to the ladies room. >> Oh, well, there you go. There you go. >> There you go. That's crazy. >> She said, "Let her go to the lady's room." So, she going to leave where her station is. What's her name? Her name is Look like that says L. Williams. >> Wow. just ask. >> I appreciate it. Have a good day. >> Hi. How can I help you? >> Um, don't really need any uh help at this moment right now. What's your name? >> What are you doing? >> Uhhuh. >> Are you filming? >> Yes, ma'am. Filming everything. >> Without permission? >> I don't think I need permission. >> Uh, to film somebody, you need to ask permission. You can't >> What's your name? >> My name's right up there. >> Oh, Margie. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. I don't Odd. No. I've worked here 20 years. Nobody ever did that before. >> Really? >> Yeah. >> Well, that's Well, that's not entirely true because look behind you. They're filming now. >> That's a security camera that we look at as problems. It's not where we don't sit there and look at. But anyway, what can I do for you? >> Um, I don't really need any help at the moment. Uh, definitely I'll let you know if I do though, for sure. >> So, you mean here in this building? >> That's correct. This the housing authority, right? Yeah. The DuPage County. Oh, correct. And we're in the city of Wheaten. >> Correct. >> Correct. Okay. Yeah. >> But the initial discomfort was only the beginning as the conversation quickly shifted to a far more sensitive issue. And the moment identification was brought up, the situation started to move far beyond an ordinary filming encounter. >> Hey, ma'am. >> Margaret McCoy. >> Margaret McCoy. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. I don't need any help. Did she go get you? Mrs. Williams? >> Uh, no. She me because she resources tag. I just saw him video me. Yes, ma'am. What's your name? >> Who are you? >> What's your name, ma'am? >> Who are you? >> Well, I mean, you're engaging me. >> Well, because you was videoing me while I was standing. >> That's correct. You work here, right? >> This is my >> Who are you? >> What's I asked you first. What's your name? >> No, I'm asking you because you was videoing me. >> Yeah, but if you're going to engage me, I have a right to know who. >> So, does anybody know who this young man is? >> So, that's why I came out to >> Yeah, I understand. But see what's going on. >> Well, it's within my rights, too, because you're taking videos of me. Yeah, but you're in public, right? Oh, is that correct? >> My place of residence. Do you have >> your place of residence? >> I'm in my place of employment. Right to be here. >> Absolutely. Okay. >> Yeah, I do have >> Is it anything we can assist you with? >> Uh, just like I was telling her and the young lady in anything, >> right? Yeah. You run. You ran off. >> No, I didn't ran because I already knew what you was >> for lack of a better term. You ran. >> No, no, I didn't ran. I walked. >> Well, I'm just saying. Well, I mean, it's obviously she went and got you. Are you like a supervisor or some sort? >> I am. >> Okay. Yeah, she actually got you. I'm sorry that she she took you away from probably your duties and uh so it's just a waste of time for you to come over here. >> No worries. We just wanted to find out. She she it is her >> responsibility to let me know when something >> doesn't feel right. So I >> I came out to find out there's something that one bedroom. >> Absolutely not. I was just I don't understand like what would she come and say if something's not right. >> Well, you didn't want to talk to me now. So we you probably shouldn't talk now. You went and got her. So >> service that we can provide you to her. probably um maybe in a few moments. Uh I'll see uh maybe I'll file some foyer requests. Um I've been basically like I told her, I'm an investigative journalist. I'm coming here to investigate you guys' housing authority. Uh the personnel here um and just this site in in its entirety. So um might file a foyer. I might >> You have ID or business card? >> Uh no, I don't have it. I Well, I do have an ID, but I don't want to provide it. >> Well, you should you don't have a right to be here then, sir. >> So you need an ID to be here? >> No. Well, I'm just saying if you're here of service, >> that's okay. >> If we're able to provide you service, then we can follow up and we can do so. Honey, >> but I think it's >> not right for you to be here video. >> Really? You sure? >> I don't think I'm pretty sure personally if I didn't give you authorization to do so. >> I'm pretty sure I don't need it. That's >> It seemed the situation was about to reach a breaking point when police were called. But what happened next caught everyone off guard because the officer's own acknowledgement shifted the balance in the room in a way no one expected. >> Officer, >> what's going on? Officer, did they call you here? >> Are you Were you the primary caller? That's >> Oh, wow. Man, hey, what's your name? Officer B. >> Coffman. >> Officer Officer Officer Kaufman. >> Yeah. 071. >> Appreciate that, sir. Uh, real quick, man. I'm sorry you haven't even be out here dispatched out here wasted. wasting resources and wasting your time. >> Um if if you can convey to these young f Well, not even nobody else. Obviously, she wanted to call you. >> I already informed her why he's here. I already know about the first amendment. I >> Oh, okay. So, I'm I'm shocked that she called you. She still know >> what I'm supposed to do at my job. That's fine. And that's what I did. >> I don't have an issue with Let me get the rest of the uh employees so that they can be informed of >> you tell them what he's doing first. >> She told him already. >> That's crazy. How you doing, officer? Let me get see if I can get this right. >> Lobster. Okay. I didn't want to butcher it. >> Yeah. It's You know what, Officer Kaufman, real quick. Uh it's it's kind of crazy that she would tell you that she knows how I'm doing in terms of the First Amendment and still give you guys a 911 call. That's crazy. >> A lot of places policies and stuff like that don't align with, you know what I'm saying? So, for whatever reason, that's their policy that they have to notify us. >> Yeah. It's just it's just weird. >> She's trying to follow her internal policy, I'm sure. And that way it kind of transfers it to us. I get what you're saying. >> Yeah, of course it is. Somebody could be robbing one of you guys' banks or something and now you hear. >> Wait, wait. Right. Of course. Of course. I'm just saying like, wow. You know >> what's what's the what's the shirt? >> Uh oh. Money is the root all evil. >> And once the situation had turned around, the camera was no longer the center of attention. Just minutes later, they walked away, leaving behind a room filled with silence and attitudes that were no longer the same as when it all began. I didn't know. I didn't even bother asking. >> All right. Did you need anything from us? Cuz we have a crash to go to now. Car crash. No. See what I'm saying? >> Yeah, I'm pretty good. >> Um, yeah, actually I do. >> Yeah, I give it to you guys outside. Matter of fact, yeah, for sure. any question that he ask one of his friends is a first amendment auditor. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. For sure. Just get a shot of you guys. >> Oh, really? >> Like not even a week later >> out here in the city of Weaten though. >> Yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Right around this area. >> Yeah. Yeah. I'm not from here. >> What was it? >> Uh Tyrant dinner to be Terminator Audits. Yeah, man. You guys, man, look at man, be sure to look at this video. I'm pretty sure my um my family members in the comments is going to highlight you guys for coming in u helping us >> and not infringing right today and educating these guys. >> I am going to probably hike over. Where's you guys um police department located? >> It's like a couple miles that way Roosevelt to Carlton and then it's 900 West Liberty Drive. >> 900 West Liberty Drive. Okay. Yeah, I'll just hike on over there. Probably grab them for you and stuff like that. Okay. >> Appreciate you guys. Thanks a lot. All right. There were no handcuffs, no arrests, and no criminal charges. Yet, this incident still serves as a warning when a lack of understanding meets authority, even an ordinary conversation, can come dangerously close to becoming a crisis. Citizens can sue police under section 1983 when their rights are violated. Officers who violate those rights may face compensation payouts, disciplinary action, or even termination. When rights are treated as an inconvenience, justice can quickly be replaced by arbitrary power. Hey everyone, what do you think about this situation? If you enjoyed the video, don't forget to like, subscribe, and support us with a donation. Thank you so much.