Right. Or in their course of daily abus their daily business they don't have people come and start videotaping and filming things. >> So you are in violation of the of the policy as well. >> Having broken the law exercising my rights in public. You have no right to touch me. >> Violating my rights. I'm not. >> Yes he is. >> Okay. Hang on. >> Vague policies and heated arguments erupt in the quietest library in town. >> Just happen to have a recording my against their their policy. But again, no one has a reasonable expectation of privacy in public. I've been through this with in federal courts before. Oh, I record everywhere I go for transparency and accountability purposes, especially in government buildings, especially in a public building like this. >> From quiet to chaos in minutes, dramatic debates and the truth about press freedom about to be revealed. >> So, they would like you to leave >> a suspicious person. What What about >> was I harassing anyone? Sir, >> walking around here, no one is being harassed. No one is causing a disturbance. No one is being disorderly. >> A camera in the library and then five officers appear. Are they there to protect the law or just enforce a shady policy? >> You could say there's no crime being committed here. >> You're free to film at our police headquarters in the front lobby if you want. We're open 24 hours a day as well. So >> that's a ridiculous statement because you could literally look up any book on your phone. >> Five officers and a piece of policy in hand. The question that shook the entire library. Are they law enforcement officers or just guardians of an anonymous piece of paper? The truth will surprise you. >> Do you mind if I speak to the director? >> She does not want to speak to you. >> She doesn't want to speak to me. I don't know what how do I why can't I speak to her? She's a public servant. >> I can't speak on >> But you are though because you're you're bringing me a policy. >> Right. So that means you're speaking on her behalf. >> Okay. That's what you feel. >> No, I don't want to dispute anything with you either, sir. It just it doesn't seem >> You enforce the law. You're a law enforcement officer, Sergeant. >> Yes, sir. >> Right. So, this is not a law. I'm just >> happen to have a recording in my head. >> It's against their their policy. >> Right. But their policy can't trump the United States Constitution and the First Amendment of freedom of press. I'm a journalist. I'm here conducting um an investigation for a story and using the library for its intended purpose. How can you That's like if they had a policy that said, "Are you filming other people without permission?" >> Camera. I The library didn't ask me for permission to film me, sir. And do you know why they don't have to ask me for permission to film me? and why none of you who have body cameras on asked me for permission to film me today. So, no one needs to ask for permission to film in public. Again, I'm not particularly wanting to film anybody. I'm filming books and you're filming me, so I'm like, >> "Right, well, you're filming me." But again, no one has a reasonable expectation of privacy in public. I've been through this with in federal courts before. won some federal court cases in in New York City regarding uh filming in public and filming law enforcement officers in the course of their duty as well, which you are to hand me a policy >> cuz we got called suspicious person here filming people, which is against their policy. >> What What about me is suspicious, sir? >> I was filming people walking around filming. >> That's what we got. >> So by by that standard, you're suspicious >> because you're walking around filming people, sir. >> No, we only film when we get to a call, right? >> For our policy. Then suddenly they drag children and schools into the story. What is the real reason behind the obsession with a camera? >> Correct. That you would like us to get back to our duties, >> right? Yes. >> I would love it. Right. >> So, how come I'm so sorry. >> Excuse me, ma'am. >> How could we do that? >> So, just let me go about my business and and look at my books. >> So, you stated that you were looking for the US consulate, >> right? >> Do you know where that is? >> I do not. Not here, actually. >> Because you don't work here. That would be a question for somebody that works here. Mind if I get your badge number? >> Yeah. Can you throw my camera on first? >> Oh, sure. >> I just walked in. >> Yeah, no problem, sir. I just like to get everybody's name. >> Sergeant Donald Wilson. >> Sergeant Donald. Thank you. >> 63. >> Thank you, sir. Appreciate >> Hi, ma'am. How are you? Do you mind if uh where would I find the United States a copy of the United States Constitution here? >> There's four of us. >> Well, no, there was another officer here, right? Seems like overkill. It must You know, >> the police headquarters is next to here. Oh, I didn't know that. You're free to film in our police headquarters in the front lobby if you want. We're open 24 hours a day as well. >> Oh, right. It's public, right? >> Okay. Yeah. Much I'm just trying to use the library for its intended purposes here and and look at some books, read some books. >> Do much reading. >> Well, because >> you always come reading books with a handle. >> Oh, I record everywhere I go for transparency and accountability purposes, especially in government buildings, especially in a public building like this. When the library director refuses to confront and the sergeant begins to lose patience, is a forced scenario about to happen right in the middle of the quietest place in town? >> Was I harassing anyone, sir? >> No, you were walking around somewhere. >> Okay. Was I looking at books? >> I don't know. >> Okay. Was I I wasn't harassing anybody. So, again, you're trying to make it seem that something that it's not. I'm not harassing anybody. I don't want to harass anybody. If you leave that that Oh, what are you going to do? >> You're you're inferring that what I was inferring is wrong. I was asking you a question. I said, "Are you going to harass me?" >> Listen, I'm not harassing anybody. >> Tell me to listen cuz I have no choice but to listen to you. I'd love to be out doing other stuff. >> So, go do it. >> Okay. >> So, go do it. Respectfully, go do it, sir. Yes, you can. You could say there's no crime being committed here and no one is being disorderly. This man is politely filming. He's not raising his voice. >> Are you going to film children if they walk by? >> I'm filming what I could see, which is the books right now and law enforcement right now. There's no children here, sir. >> Obviously. Right. But it's a library. That's that's my primarily my primary point of concern and that the staff, right? They're here just to do their jobs. Right. Right. They're here. >> And I'm just ask where the Constitution is. >> So why would anybody come to the library? >> What's your prerogative to knowing where the Constitution is in a library when you can pull it up on your phone? >> Sir, that's a ridiculous statement because you could literally look up any book on your phone. So why would a library exist? If you could look up all the information you want on your phone, why would a library exist? access to people that don't have it at home. >> Ridiculous. It's ridiculous. >> It's It's ridiculous that you would think I'm sure everybody in this library, if you ask them right now, they have internet access. There should might be some. >> No. No. We said, "Why does a library exist?" But the people that may come may not, right? So, no point in talking hypotheticals, >> right, sir? Okay. I listen, I just want >> It all ended in a way no one expected. A lesson in freedom, the power of the Constitution, and the price to pay for attempting to abuse power. So, apparently that's the library director and they're going to have an officer follow me around the library. Ridiculous. They didn't want to take the uh Constitution explained book that I have here to help them out understand about freedom. All the law enforcement officers have left. So, we're going to be getting out of here. We're just getting out of the public library here in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. So, this audit started off pretty chill. And he was here and his rights were violated. And that's what we did here today. >> It started off pretty chill. Nothing happened. No public employee came up to us complaining or trying to exert authority over us. Obviously, they have nothing better to do here at the Franklin Lakes Police Department, but most of the officers were pretty chill. They didn't really escalate the situation. They I don't know why so many law enforcement officers want to enforce policy. Sergeant Wilson, I will say, was very passive aggressive and very disingenuous in his arguments talking about minors. That's all it's good for. Freedom is scary. He's a law enforcement officer. He knew that I had no intention of harming any minors or anything of that nature. If somebody wanted to do that, they can do that in secret and surreptitiously and there would be nothing he can do about it. It's an unfortunate, you know, scenario, but it does happen and they should be held accountable for that. You did not like the fact that I was there recording. Thankfully, your superiors thought better of it and did not remove me as you removed to a pre under threat of arrest. It's about promoting education not only to law enforcement, our government employees, but we the people as a whole. And I think we accomplished that here today. You know, our rights are like muscles. If you don't use them, you will lose them. You know, she was very nasty and very rude to to a pre, I was told. And she did not like him filming. Policy had nothing to do with minors. The policy has to do with control, ladies and gentlemen. Has to do with you cannot film unless we give you our permission. That's why I wanted to read it for each and every one of you. The Sergeant Wilson wanted to make it about something. It wasn't. >> Citizens may sue public officials for violating their constitutional rights. Pursuant to 42 US Code SS1983, individuals/organizations are required to pay damages to the injured party. Violating police officers may be disciplined, have their licenses suspended, fired, or expelled depending on the policy of the agency/ police chief. The police eventually left. No arrests, no enforcement. Citizens continued filming, fulfilling their purpose of using the library. Up next, a camera silently records. And then the sudden threat of arrest rings out, setting off a tense confrontation. >> We're not charging you. We're patting you down for our safety. >> Move. >> Identify yourself since you want to go hands on. >> I'm Sergeant Wild. What is your name? >> Am I being detained for a crime? >> We're investigating. We got called on you. Okay. >> The siren had not yet sounded, but the atmosphere was heating up by the minute as overlapping orders were issued while the real reason remained hidden. >> Look, we got a complaint >> about you being up here. Talk to me. >> What's going on? >> Big hand. >> Don't approach me. Don't approach me. Don't approach me. Put your put your hands up on the car. >> Having broken the law exercising my rights in public. You have no right to touch me. We're patting you down. You don't have the weapon. >> This officer violating my rights. >> No, I'm not. >> Yes, he is. >> Okay, hang on. >> I don't consent to search and proceed on my property. >> We're not charging you. We're patting you down for our safety. >> Get off me, bro. Move. >> Move, man. Get off me. Stop touching me. >> I already told you that. >> Sir, you have no right to touch me. >> Calm down. >> Yes, I do. >> Calm down. >> This guy's touching me right here. What is your name? What's going on here? >> What's your name and bass number, ma'am? >> Identify yourself since you want to go hands on. >> I'm Sergeant Wild. What is your name? >> What's your name and bass number? Ma'am number. Are you not going to identify yourself? >> I am. You need to identify yourself. >> What's your B number? E hand. >> Okay. Be respectful. >> What is your What is your name? You got an ID on you? >> Am I being detained for a crime? >> We're investigating. We got called on you. Okay. >> How about you guys disperse and get up out of here? >> Okay. >> So, why would we do that? Because you have no reason to be here. >> Yes, we do. >> Yes, we do. We got a call. >> The debate over the right to film in public places has erupted with words, threats, and defying silence from men in uniform. You >> can stay here if I want. >> You're actually in the roadway. So, >> because you pulled me against the car. >> Oh, no way. You stepped over here towards me. >> He did not move. Okay. How about you get out of the roadway and get on the sidewalk? >> I'll definitely get out the roadway. Not an issue there. But y'all push me against the car. I don't have to keep moving. Having broken the law. >> Do what? >> Having broken the law. >> Ma'am, do yourself a favor and throw a car. >> You're not telling me what to do. >> I am. I am telling you what to do because we don't have to, right? You You're right. >> That's your fault. You chose to be here. >> No, we didn't. >> No, we didn't. We got thought it was very suspicious that you are hanging around the sheriff's office over here, >> which is funded by our tax dollars, right? >> Oh, do we pay taxes? I'm sure >> I pay a lot more taxes than you think. >> I'm sure you do. >> E hands, do yourself a favor. Go back in your car and >> tell me when I can leave and when I can't. >> Guess what? I don't have to listen to you. >> Well, I guess we're gonna be here all day then, huh? >> I got nothing but here. >> I don't care either. Are you making false accusations? >> Are you making false? >> I'm asking you. Are you answering or not? >> Nothing wrong with exercising your first amendment rights in public. >> What's the first amendment? >> Freedom of press. >> Okay. What are you >> right now? I'm recording you guys. >> And >> that's good. We're recording you too >> because you guys are funded by tax dollars. That's what we're trying to figure out because >> I've already I've already explained it to you. There's >> called on you. You don't need to explain nothing to us. >> Don't you want to explain now? >> Well, I can't do nothing to you cuz I go to jail. So, get out. >> Exactly. >> Yeah, cuz you got that badge. >> That's right. That's right. I got called here and I'm doing my job. >> Well, now that there's no crime committed, how about I get going? >> I don't know if there's a crime committed cuz you will not identify yourself. I asked you if you were intoxicated and you didn't give me an answer. I don't answer questions. How about that? >> Oh, okay. How about that? >> An ambiguous decision was made, turning the area into a legal battlefield as both sides asserted that they were on the side of the law. >> Why does it say sheriff's department? >> Public property. >> It's still funded by tax dollars. I could be at the prison and it wouldn't matter. It's funded by our tax dollars. So, am I being detained for a >> You were in prison. >> I said it's like being on a prison property. It's still funded by tax dollars. >> Yeah. That that doesn't mean you can't be on prison property. Sure. >> I've exerc exerciseed my rights on a prison property. >> Oh, I'm sure you have. >> Okay. Well, I'm not detained. So, you >> never said you were detained. >> Okay. I just want I just want to get that clarified. If I'm not detained, then I'm free to stay. >> I just want >> No. If we're worried and want to answer to see if they want you trespass, >> I'm going to tell you something. I'm not detained. So, you don't get my ID. >> The best thing you guys can do for yourself is to go back in your car and leave. I'm so glad I do these audits. >> Yeah. You're doing good. I'm very I'm doing a very good job. >> Hey, you're going to be the star of the show. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, >> I appreciate it. That's >> I like being the star. >> Yeah. >> Your attitude is problem, man. That's why that's why there's a disconnect. >> Yeah, I agree. >> Yeah, that's what I'm here for. To test out to see if you guys respect my rights and you failed miserably. >> Thank you. >> You know, the other put it on my email. >> The other the other police >> Or you can look up the complaint form and write a complaint, too. >> Oh, I might do that. >> I got better things to do. >> Me, too. >> So, I mean, you can leave. I will whenever I get an answer. >> If if I'm not able to exercise my rights on a sheriff's department property, which is funded by our tax dollars, then that is going against the constitution. Let me >> explain something to you. Okay. School property is private property. If they want you removed from that, >> depending on the schools, >> no, it public school is private property just like the sheriff's office. >> It's not public property. Public property would be like this sidewalk right here. >> On when I drove up, you didn't give us a chance either. You took off running. We've gotten to that point now where we're talking to you about it. >> So once we find out >> all rightally trespassing, we'll do that. >> So you guys, man, >> when everything seemed to be over, a sharp warning rang out, leaving behind big questions about civil rights and limits of power. The video denounces the abuse of power, warning of the risk of violating civil rights when the police arbitrarily issue orders without legal basis. >> Okay. Do you just want to go home now? I mean, do you want to go back on patrol? Clearly, there's no crime happening. Clearly, there's no crime happening right now. >> I'm sure there is elsewhere. >> Well, maybe go >> you have us tied up with. >> So, I'll take you to jail. >> You're going to violate my rights. >> I'm going to take you to jail. I promise you that. >> That's how we going to do it now. Okay. >> Okay. >> Well, you have a good day. Okay. >> Bye. >> Byebye. >> Okay. Just don't go back. >> I've already proven what I need to prove him, bro. You guys don't respect the constitution. I'll be back. I I'll be back tomorrow during business hours to confirm that trespass. >> They probably won't be there on the weekend. >> Special units, >> okay, >> facility. It's an annex. >> I I'll confirm that with the sheriff's department on on Tuesday because it's Memorial's Day. >> Okay. >> So, all right. >> You have a good day. >> So, we're going to go ahead and end it. They clearly failed. Didn't respect my rights and um what it's all about. Power unchecked will wash away both trust and freedom. Don't let that fragile line be blurred. 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. >> You want to put your stuff down or take it with >> This is going to look really bad, guys. It's going to look really bad. recording in public, thought to be a constitutional right, but ended up in handcuffs. >> Well, this afternoon, I'm being told to ask you to leave since the recording is interfering with business. >> If you're still refusing to leave, we're going to go ahead and arrest you and take you to Mar County. >> And have I and I've been disrupting him. >> In broad daylight at the DMV, a citizen was just sitting there recording when the police were called. But why? They said he was obstructing the operations of a government facility. >> See where it goes. >> So refusing refusing to leave. >> Just sitting in here recording, not bothering anybody. Is disrupting business. We're going >> No yelling, no fighting, just a camera. Yet the officer approached. If you don't leave, you will be fined. Where was this situation headed? >> Yep. Well, this afternoon I'm being told to ask you to leave since the recording is interfering with business. >> What's going to happen if I don't leave? >> If you refuse to leave after that, I have to write you a citation, >> which will go to >> Yep. So, refusing refusing to leave. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I'll print it out. >> I'll go write that. Be right back with you. All right. >> Yep. Sure. You guys already have all my information? Yes, >> sir. >> Interfering, huh? That's amazing. >> All right, that's it. >> Good earlier. >> I know it may not mean anything to you, but I made sure to turn my camera away from your kids. cuz I understand the comfortability. I'm a father myself. >> I'm just here to exercise my First Amendment rights. You know, we we have a right to record in here. I've actually got lobby camera footage of multiple DMVs. It's all publicly accessible record. We're on video. >> The charges were predetermined, disturbing, and trespassing on public land. Even though the actions were recorded, quiet, and in public, was this a setup by a system accustomed to suppressing civil rights? >> They're violating everybody's rights that they refuse service to. Just just keep that in mind. I'm I'm just here. They finally cighting me. They're saying that I'm disrupting. I'm not doing anything besides sitting here. I've got lobby camera footage from multiple DMVs. This is our first amendment right protected by the Constitution and they're violating their oath of office by refusing service. >> So, I'm sitting here for no reason. I can't give him a sticker. >> Stickers. We have stickers. >> We're not wait in here recording. >> So, where do we go from here? If I if I don't leave right now, what will happen now? >> Same thing we did the other day. Just >> just sit here and wait. Huh? >> Just wait. Unless they decide to shut down early. In that case, I'll leave. But >> that's something spectacular. You guys swore enough to uphold the Constitution. You've been told by the state's attorney >> that he's not going to prosecute >> that I'm protected by the First Amendment for this. And you guys are still citing. They're they they respect the Constitution and their oath to it. So, do you mind if I ask your guys' supervisor's name? Mine's a Sergeant Burish. >> I'm sorry. >> Sergeant Burrish. >> Burish. Was that Am I on the right track there? >> Washurn. Yep. >> Is the order from him as well? >> I don't know about that. >> As of as of today >> to shut down the transactions essentially shut down >> as of today. It's Sergeant Burish that instructed me to cease transactions. >> Maybe maybe we the people are missing something, but this has already been relayed that it's a constitutionally protected activity. handcuffed in broad daylight in public for an action protected by the Constitution. The moment the police officer gently said, "We have to follow orders." >> Would you mind saying that one more time? >> Yeah, like I just said, um, we're going to, if you're still refusing to leave, we're going to go ahead and arrest you and take you to Mar County. >> And have I and I've been disrupting hell. >> Just recording. >> Just sitting in here recording, not bothering anybody is disrupting >> business from going on. Yep. >> And that constitutes trespass to state supported land. >> I don't know if they're going to release or not immediately. I I can't tell you. I don't want there. >> Yeah, I'm gonna have to see it. >> Yeah, I'm gonna have to see it through because we've already been told that by the state's attorney this is my constitutional right. >> So, if you'd like to put your stuff back in your pockets, I'll place you in your handcuffs and take you over and couch. Okay. >> Yep. All right. I'm going to I'm going to I'm going to leave this. Fine. >> I'm going to leave both of them on. >> That's fine. >> What do I need to do? >> You want to You want to put your stuff down or take it off? Make sure it goes with your other hand, man. >> Who wants to hold it? >> Long as you don't shut it off. Let the battery die. >> Not do that, right? >> N we're good. You got to lock these so it don't sit up on your hand. >> This is going to look really bad, guys. It's going to look really bad. >> Do you want this in your front pocket so you don't sit on it or is it good? >> Can I just hold it? >> It's up to you guys. Don't just break it. >> No, I'm fine. I I I'll uh Oh, the phone. No, you know what? I'll hold it. >> Yep. I'll hold it. >> All right, brother. following awesome out of here. Let's get my mind flipping my sunglasses down. >> Appreciate it. >> Yep, we're good. >> Yep. We're taking the ride. We got arresting officer Cameron Ward, ex Centrellia officer right now with the Secretary of State Police. >> People were arrested, taken away, but kept repeating, "I was just exercising my rights." The question still lingers. Does justice really exist in this case? Since I haven't fought anybody and been a a a nuisance in that manner, is there any way I could get cuffed up front or not? [Music] >> I do appreciate that. >> Yep. Sorry, I didn't know which way to go. Little double lock here. Appreciate it. >> All right, we're taking the ride. >> See, don't put your arm. >> They did allow me to be cuffed up when we're taking the ride. >> Yeah, that would just be more than we had to pay for Robert, guys. Unlawful arrest. Secretary of State Police. >> I'll be quiet for the ride. >> 72 Ohio dealer Adam 7R. Robert. >> The person who filmed the video was taken to the Marian County Jail on a trespassing charge and it is unclear whether he was held or released immediately. Residents say they will take the case to court as they have video evidence of no violation in order to fight against the unconstitutional conduct of their duties. Police officers can be held accountable if proven to have violated the constitution. [Music]