I'm in charge. >> There go your piece of paper. The station is next door. You can fill out what you trying about you trying to fill out. >> Okay, you can't go back there because the kids are back there. >> That's absolutely We never try to go to restricted areas. >> Okay, there's no kids even here. >> You on medication at all? >> A man simply wanted to film and request public records, but within minutes he found himself at the center of a tense confrontation with police. One that raised serious questions about where lawful enforcement ends and abuse of authority begins. >> We were nothing but nice to you. >> in here with your phones out ready. >> That's because we were working on a video. >> Duh. >> You're acting like a Karen, ma'am. >> Okay, whatever. AM I A KAREN? >> YES. >> They didn't come in here. They came in here looking for trouble. >> We've been nothing but nice. >> they came in the door, they had their cameras out filming ready. >> A law-savvy citizen turns on a camera and suddenly a single false accusation from a public official has the potential to transform the entire encounter into evidence of abuse of authority. A man entered a public building simply to record and request public records, but the attitude of staff quickly changed. After only a brief exchange, a call to the police was made, leaving viewers to wonder how did something so routine escalate so far, so fast? >> Hi sir, how are you? >> All right, how are you doing today, ma'am? >> Well, are you video taping? >> Yes, ma'am. So, like I was trying to tell the lady behind the desk when she first came out. I said, "What are you doing?" I was trying to let her know that I'm here to do two things. The first thing is we want to exercise our right to record just in public. And the second thing I need to do is file a FOIA, which is an additional right as well. So, she wasn't interested in hearing the second thing. So >> Okay. Well, I get you, but where's our sign at? Because there's somewhere that says you can't record. So, I get what you're trying to do, but we can't allow recording inside here because of the nature of the children and that's what we deal with. >> Yeah. I I can understand. >> please stop recording, sir? Please. And then I can speak Adam. >> I I can understand what you're saying, ma'am, and I understand your position, but the thing is about the sign, the sign has no force of the law. It's just a sign. >> But it's it's this is this is not uh public property. >> It is, cuz it's it's Illinois state. >> It is, but it's inside of here, sir. It's a symbol of we we're asking you to not record. >> I understand. >> I understand you guys are asking. I'm just saying respectfully, I have a right I have a right to do it. >> you want to request a FOIA, this is not the place to do it. This is not our main office. >> Yeah, I know. So what what So how FOIA goes, I can fill a FOIA out at any public entity. >> Do you have it? We don't have it here. >> No, no, I fill it out on a blank sheet and turn it in that way. That's that's the law. >> Okay, so I get it. Because we have people who are not supposed to be recorded, so that's what we're asking you not to do that. >> Yeah, for sure. So intentionally, I'm not trying to record any kids or anything like that. I definitely try my best to not get the kids. If I can just >> Did you just call Did you make a phone call? Let me just stop. I get you, sir. I'm just I've asked that I'm not >> Okay. Okay. >> It seemed that the arrival of police would calm the situation, but what followed only made the atmosphere more tense. The officers' questioning and increasingly strained demeanor left many viewers asking, were they resolving the situation or making it worse? >> Good morning, officer. >> Good morning, sir. >> Good morning. Uh >> Officer, I have >> Officer, I have a badge. >> Appreciate that. I appreciate that, sir. So uh like I was just explaining to that young man, it seems like he understood the other personnel guy that was just standing right there. Uh is that I need to do two things while I'm here. >> [clears throat] >> The first thing we need to do is uh be able to record in public and ex- exercise our First Amendment right. That's the first thing. The second thing is I need to file a FOIA, which is an additional right. Uh I tried to explain that to this young lady and the lady that's on the phone that obviously called you guys and they're not interested in our rights today. >> Who is our rights? I'm sorry. >> Our meaning meaning we the people. >> Did you tell me who you are? >> No, I didn't. I didn't. I didn't You didn't >> is >> I don't I just want to remain anonymous, Officer Adams. >> But I told you my name. >> Well, you are required, respectfully. >> But that's not That's not just. I didn't say fair, that's not just. >> Just. >> Because I have a right to tell you who I am you as well on a public way in regards to me knowing who I am and who I'm talking to. I just asked for your name. >> understand, but I'm just saying >> last name. Okay, you >> Respectfully, I was just saying. Yeah, disrespectfully, uh Officer Adams. >> are you here? >> Okay, again, so we want to be able to exercise our rights to record in public. >> we? >> We the people. We the people. And the second thing is we want to be able to file FOIAs. So, both of those are rights. They're They're not privileges, they're absolutely rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution. >> Now, you don't get that done, then what? You going to remain here? >> Well, well, I'm definitely going to get it done. I'm definitely going to get it done. I'm actually It's fairly small in here, so I've already got as much as I can get. >> I sit down? >> Of course not. I mean, you got to do what you got to do. >> get it done, then what are you going to do? >> No, I'm going to get it done. >> to remain here? >> I'm going to get it done. >> How are you going to get it done? >> You know the FOIA is correct? So, I need to file a FOIA. >> You got the information at >> That's correct. So, I'll file a FOIA. >> it done, what are you going to do? If you don't get it done today, what are you going to do? >> I'm definitely going to I don't I don't understand the question cuz I'm going to get it done. That's why I'm here. >> How are you going to get it done if they don't allow you to do it? And if there's a procedure other than you doing it right here, then what, sir? >> So, how it works is if they don't like give me a FOIA form to fill out, I'll fill it out on a blank sheet and that should suffice because the state of Illinois has no standard form either. >> And if it doesn't suffice, then what will you do then? >> Well, the only way >> Will you continue to remain here? >> As the conversation showed no sign of settling down, the arrival of another officer pushed the situation in an even more tense direction. A series of repeated demands for the man to leave left viewers wondering, was this proper procedure or simply an attempt to apply pressure? >> That's a building dealing with kids. >> So, it is this a state agency? >> It's a building that deals with children. >> What's your name, officer? >> I have to protect the kids. >> Officer Kelly. >> Okay, yeah. This building that deals with kids, which means they have a right to safeguard the children. And that's what they're doing at this point. >> That's correct, but we and we also have a right to film in public. >> Okay, fine. Did you film already? >> Uh >> Okay, you can't go back there because the kids are back there. >> That's absolutely We'll never try to go to restricted areas, sir. So, just de-escalate, officer. >> we do this, sir? >> You're getting kind of >> we step outside and talk about this so they can do what they have to do for these kids, and then you can go do your FOIA and all that stuff? >> I got to do my FOIA right here. Yeah, I got to do my FOIA. >> I don't know if they have What do you I don't know if they have a FOIA for here. >> They might They might We haven't We haven't asked them yet. >> Do you have a FOIA for this facility for for detailed >> he can print it down. >> Yeah, just go online. >> No, sir. No, sir. I can fill it out on a blank. >> Okay, yeah. Listen, they don't have a FOIA at this location. >> Sir, that's okay if they don't. I can fill it out on a blank sheet. >> Okay, sir. Can you please just step outside with us? >> Sir, I have to I have to I have to fill out my FOIA, and I have to exercise my rights. >> Where are you going to file a FOIA at is what I'm asking. >> Here, sir. I just told you I'm going to fill it out. So, so did you hear me say a blank sheet? >> Okay, sir. We Okay, but you can't fill a blank sheet out here. >> Yes, you can, sir. That's the law, sir. >> They've got stuff to do. What do you want to do? >> There's no kids even here. [laughter] >> Are you on medication or something? >> Sir, that's No, no, no, that's No, that's disgusting for you to even go there. >> you if you're on medication. >> Why? Because I'm exercising my right. >> No, she's letting you know there are children here. >> I'm saying, what does the medication have to do with me exercising my right? >> That means that you we may have to call and get you an ambulance. Get you an >> need an ambulance, sir. I need a I need to exercise my rights without you guys trying to step on them. >> That's not your right, dude. The young lady explained to you, sir, that they don't have that here. >> That's correct. That's correct. So, I can fill it out on a blank sheet. This was just all I the want to know. Are you guys going to aid them in trying to violate my rights? That's all I need to know. >> When you fill it out on a blank sheet >> That's correct. >> What do you want personnel to do with that blank sheet? >> All they would have to do by law is forward it to their public information officer. >> To do what? What is your FOIA? >> FOIA is for me to request materials, officer. I'm going to ask general general information. >> Here go your blank paper. Go ahead and write it out. >> to de-escalate, man. You cuz he's he's trying to escalate the situation, sir. >> Here you go, sir. >> I'm going to, but I don't need to be rushed. >> Okay, sir. Here you go, a pen. >> Okay, you can set it there. Okay, you can set it there. It'll be general information. General. Just general information about this entity. >> As the conversation was still unfolding, the arrival of another officer pushed the situation into even more contentious territory. The repeated demands for the man to leave came one after another, leaving viewers to wonder, was this a legitimate enforcement of policy or an escalating effort to pressure a citizen into compliance? >> Sir, you're here, and now you're disturbing the peace. >> How am I disturbing the peace by exercising my rights? >> So, leave. If they not >> And I have official business. You can't ask a person to leave when you have official business. >> Yeah, but right now you're bordering in regards to breaking the law. Cuz what business do you have here other than your access to a public facility? >> I I told you [clears throat] two things, Officer Adams. Right now, at this point, I'm asking you guys to call a supervisor. >> But you can't I'm already a supervisor. >> A sergeant. >> I'm already here. >> So, you're a sergeant? >> I'm already here. I said supervisor. I am the supervisor. >> So, but are you Are you a sergeant? >> Sir, you can go to the station you want to go higher than me. Right now, I am in charge. Here you go, your piece of paper. The station is next door. You can fill out what you talking about you trying to fill out. And then, if you're You satisfied with what I'm telling you, you can go next door with a police station there and ask to see somebody who's in charge. >> Well, well, hopefully we don't have to do that. >> Well, sir, I don't I really don't Just give me a piece of paper. I don't care if we have to do it or not. It doesn't matter. >> So, you're going to try to trample on my rights today? >> Sir, we're not trampling >> As an officer. >> We're asking you to do what you said you here to do so we can >> Yeah, but you're trying to rush me, sir. >> Sir, go ahead, sir. Do what you got to do so we can >> You're biting your bottom lip. You're getting very agitated. >> sir. Go ahead. You said you wanted to fill out the form. Fill it out. >> This this this guy right here, man. Officer Kiyo right here. You can tell he he's becoming ti- he's becoming really unhinged. >> Sir, let's go to the form. >> I understand. I I'm definitely >> up here saying that that this is a personal facility that you cannot enter this facility without a permission. They have that. >> That that's the same sign. It doesn't say personal facility at all. >> Can you Can you go out there and read it? >> It's right here. Yeah, that's the same exact sign. It's a state building. That's why I can be here. >> Sir, do what you got to do so we can move on. >> I'm going to, but I don't want to be rushed, though. >> Okay, well, then you then you're not rushed, but you can't stay here all day. >> I can stay here till until they close. That's the law. The court said the courts have ruled on that. >> Okay. >> I mean, if you don't allow it, then it's violating my rights. Okay, I'll go file a complaint and then we'll go from there. And then you guys will lose your qualified immunity. That's all. Okay. >> The atmosphere seemed to have reached its breaking point, but a single response suddenly pushed the situation into even more dangerous territory. Was this still an ordinary exchange, or had it become a form of coercion hidden behind the banner of law and authority? >> Okay. You're the manager? >> Excuse me, ma'am. >> Yes, I'm the manager. >> Okay. So, I can't file my FOIA today. >> What's the procedure for filing that? >> Just you have to make sure we get all this document. For sure, sir. >> Thank you, sir. >> For sure. >> Yes, ma'am. >> That's correct. >> Right. Right. >> you're asking me to leave, correct? And if I don't leave, I'll be arrested. >> Correct. >> Okay, great. That's all I need. That's all we need. So, uh that's all we would need, TTA family. >> In the end, the man left the building, but the tension remained unresolved. And behind those doors, lingering questions about citizens' rights and the conduct of those in positions of authority were left unanswered. Next, a single camera and a question about the right to record were enough to put an entire post office on edge. But, when an employee suddenly raised their voice and demanded that they leave, the situation quickly grew into something far more serious than an ordinary disagreement. >> Is that why you guys are even doing this? >> Well, well, if you look at the rules, why are you backing up? If you look at the rules, it clearly states that we can film here, and all I hear is shouting about being on video. You guys uh You guys have already provided >> Our postmaster >> Correct. >> a mask mandate for all postal property. >> Do you know what a mandate is? It's basically a request, ma'am. It's not a law. >> No, it's I have it It said you have you have to wear them. >> So, can you show me the law? >> You go to 1410 Northwest Gage, and you talk to the postmaster yourself. >> I'm talking to you. Show me the law. >> I thought you were the postmaster. >> I'm not. Excuse me? >> You said you were the postmaster. >> No, I said you can go see the postmaster. >> Oh, got it. Tell him to come here. >> Um I don't think he's going to do that. I don't understand why you guys are even trying to cause a problem. >> We're try- No, we're not. We're not. We're not. You You guys You guys are the ones that are freaking out over a video. >> You came in here today. Y'all came in here, and you came in purposely uh to start mess. That's what you came to >> We were nothing but nice to you. That's because we were working on a video. >> Duh. >> Because you're working on a video. >> Yes. >> And you can work on a video. PUT YOUR MASK ON. IT'S as simple as that. >> You're not Your mask is not even being properly worn and you're telling us I said, "Guys, your mask is Your mask is Why are you screaming? >> Wow. >> Why? >> You're going to get in trouble. >> Because I want YOU TO LEAVE AND FOLLOW THE RULES like everybody else. >> Ma'am, you're supposed to be courteous and professional. I've been Am I raising my voice to you? >> Sir, you're not leaving when I'm asking you to leave. >> You're acting like a Karen, ma'am. Yes. Well, you're You're a a Karen. Black communist It's a It's a overly uh sensitive >> Just as tensions began to escalate, police arrived on the scene and it seemed the matter would be settled quickly. But after only a few exchanges, a much bigger question emerged. Who actually has the authority to decide what is allowed inside this public building? >> We were on our way anyway, but they really messed up here. Now she says that we're okay to be here. You look very young to be a police officer. How old are you, sir? >> I'll let you guess. >> You're about 21? >> Close. I look I look reasonably young. I'm 24. >> You're 24? Awesome. Awesome. Uh well, we're working on a video about the post office, right? And we looked at the rules from the post office were right there on the wall. Uh and it says that we are legally and lawfully allowed to video record in this uh federal property. And also there's an official official sign that says masks are recommended. You see, the same way you guys are not wearing a mask, we're not wearing one. She went postal on us and shut down the entire uh business over our first amendment over the first amendment and over our freedoms. Maybe if you explain to her that we have the right to be here, she she will understand a little bit better. But she was just straight up yelling and being disorderly. And also turned this into a racial thing, by the way. >> I'm sure. Yes, and you guys need masks on in the lobby. >> [laughter] >> So she's going to harass the cops? >> It's at the door. We have the door and it's mandatory by a postmaster. It's mandatory in all federal buildings. And that's period. And the same thing I explained to them. That That rule doesn't change regardless of your race. >> Why you You're the ones screaming that you're black, this and that. >> Hey, hold on. >> Okay. >> asked him he came in here they came in here looking for trouble. >> We've been nothing but nice. >> When they came in the door they had their cameras out filming, ready. >> You're being filmed. >> That's the first amendment. >> Okay. >> Well, I haven't given you permission to film me. >> Could you explain to her? >> are you doing? [laughter] >> Hey, hold on a second. >> And I'm telling you I said, "Sir, I said well whatever y'all doing, you got to have your mask on here." Well, we got this pamphlet and we got this stuff. Okay, well do you have that on you? Well, you don't have the right to ask. I said, "Well, you don't have the right to be in here." That's our law. Our law is that all people >> And while the question of whether he had the right to remain in a public building was still being debated, a statement from police suddenly raised the stakes. This was no longer just about staying or leaving. It was becoming a situation that many would see as a potential violation of a citizen's rights unfolding right in front of the camera. >> But but she did. She did. >> Well, I mean, that's she doesn't She doesn't enforce the laws either. >> we'd like to press charges on her for disorderly conduct because she's been disorderly. She shut down the whole business. This is federal property. She doesn't have the authority to to to tell us to leave unless we're breaking the law. You see, you guys have to wear a mask because you're at work. But us, we're free citizens. >> Here's the thing. Here's the thing, okay? I'm not saying that you guys don't have the that kind of right. But when they ask you to leave, this is a business technically, okay? So they have that authority to ask you guys to leave. >> not a private business. That's the thing. Only a private business can do that. >> No. No, that's not how >> Yeah, unless I'm breaking the law? >> No. You can >> This is a public place. >> Here's the thing, guys. >> It's a public place. >> Like you said, it's still a business. >> But it's a public place. It's a Well, we're having a conversation right now. >> No, no, and I'm and I'm talking to you guys, right? >> So the thing is, if if we're asked to leave >> no legal basis for us to to be asked to leave, that that's uh that's against our civil rights. We have every right to be in a public building. We help pay for the people that are here. So, unless we're breaking the law, we should have every right. And just because someone doesn't like us in here doesn't mean they should be able to >> I have a question to counter that cuz I actually watched a lot of videos of what you guys have done and what a lot of people done, you know, the First Amendment audits. Do you have the right to be anywhere in this building? >> Not in restricted area. But we're in a public area. And also the official sign the official sign says >> But okay. So, do you think that a business has the right to change the restrictions on certain areas to certain people? >> Private business. >> Private business can do that. Yes. >> Also, you guys >> The important word is not business or not private there. It's business. >> No, no, no. No, you have to be specific because It Now, Walmart can kick us out whenever. >> Okay, just give me a second, okay? All right. So, they do actually have the right to ask you to leave. And because they've had to shut down their business rather than deal with, you know, everyone else. >> What what >> That's interfering in their job. >> I I appreciate >> Which is causing a disturbance. >> She is. >> Just when the situation seemed to be approaching the line of a possible rights violation, the man revealed a detail that made the officers stop in their tracks. And from that moment on, the entire story began to shift in a very different direction. >> Well, I just had an officer try to enforce mask on us, and a supervisor came and saved the day. So, we're hoping that that same supervisor >> He's He's saying that the religious freedoms have been impugned. So, where where were the >> were no churches There was no churches that were closed on the Topeka. Did you stand by some of the church? >> Well, I thought you said it was a governor mandate and then it got negated. But, that's each place's choice whether to shut down or not. >> What What do you mean each place? Are you Are you talking about the >> Well, a church is a private entity. They can choose whether to shut down or not. >> So, it's up to them. So, was that made clear to them? >> Yeah. >> So, it was also There was never There was never a There was never a mandate or recommendation from the governor that said you had to shut down. >> I certainly never went to any church and forced them to shut down. >> Did you stand by churches or businesses and make sure that they were allowed to stay open despite an unconstitutional order? >> No. I I don't know about other cities, but we have quite a bit to do in Topeka. >> Well, there's not I mean there's no businesses going on right here at all right now. You know what I'm saying? We did the whole main streets is The only thing that's open is government buildings. You know? There's no business to be >> She also She also turned this into a racial thing. Started saying, "I'm black. I'm Don't call me a Karen." This and that. We're not here to We're not here to create a problem, bro. We're just here to document our visit. Unfortunately, this lady went postal. You heard that that term before? She She She's gone postal. And and she and and she's going to be seen by thousands on the internet, you see? We have 100 million views on the internet, ma'am. So, we're going to go ahead and get going. We don't want to hold you guys back any longer because we we want you >> Oh, okay. >> So, you can talk to them up front if you like. >> All right, let's All right, let's go. So, >> accomplish both goals. >> The story ended without an arrest, but what remained after the cameras stopped rolling was a sobering reminder. Even a misunderstanding of authority can place fundamental rights at risk in the middle of a public space. 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. A civilized society should never allow authority, emotion, or a misunderstanding of the law to turn an ordinary public interaction into a threat to fundamental human rights. 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. >> [music]