Bodycam: Homeland Security Director Assaults Journalist on Courthouse Steps – Arrested After Cover-Up Attempt Independent journalist Justin is peacefully filming on a public sidewalk near the Catahoula Parish Courthouse in Harrisonburg, Louisiana when Ellis Booth, the Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness Director, confronts him aggressively, demands his ID, and claims total control of the area. When Justin asserts his First Amendment right to film, Booth tells him to “go back where he came from.” Inside the courthouse while Justin is politely filing a public records request, Booth attacks from behind — putting him in a headlock, striking him, and seizing his camera. Outside, in full view of a sheriff’s deputy, Booth launches a second assault, snatching Justin’s phone and hurling it nearly 30 yards across the pavement. The deputy initially downplays the attack. Only after the journalist keeps pressure on investigators for days is Booth finally arrested and charged with assault, battery, and destruction of property. Bodycam and video evidence exposed what officials tried to bury. #Bodycam #FirstAmendment #JournalistAssault #HomelandSecurity #PoliceAccountability #CatahoulaParish #Louisiana #PressFreedom #Assault #BodycamFootage #Corruption #Arrested #PublicRecords #CivilRights #Accountability