What started as a peaceful First Amendment audit in Panama City quickly spiraled into a heated confrontation — one that ended with assault claims, filed charges, and a police officer facing public backlash.
The incident, filmed by popular auditor Press NH Now, was supposed to be a simple test of public accountability. The YouTuber is known for recording public officials to ensure they uphold citizens’ constitutional rights, particularly the right to film in public spaces. But this time, things took a tense turn.
According to the footage, Press NH Now was standing on a public sidewalk outside a government facility, calmly filming the parking lot and nearby vehicles. Before long, several officers and security personnel approached, demanding that he stop recording.
“You can’t film here,” one officer said sternly, stepping closer to the cameraman. “This is restricted property.”
But the cameraman held his ground, explaining that he was on public property and within his legal rights to record. “You work for the people,” he replied calmly. “And the people have the right to record what their government does.”
That’s when things escalated. As seen in the viral video, an officer attempted to grab the camera, appearing to shove the cameraman’s hand away. The move immediately drew outrage from onlookers. “That’s assault!” the cameraman can be heard saying. “You just put your hands on me for filming!”
Witnesses nearby confirmed that the auditor never crossed into private or restricted areas. The encounter quickly drew a crowd, some filming on their phones, as tensions rose between the officers and the citizen journalist.
In a surprising twist, after reviewing the footage, official complaints were reportedly filed against the officer for unlawful physical contact. Meanwhile, the police department has stated that an internal review is underway to determine whether proper protocol was followed.
Social media exploded with reactions. Supporters of the First Amendment auditor praised him for standing his ground. “He stayed calm while the cop lost control — that’s how you win these,” one commenter wrote. “Knowledge and composure beat intimidation every time.”
Others took a more neutral stance, suggesting the encounter reflected a need for better training on citizens’ rights. “These officers deal with real threats daily,” a retired police sergeant commented. “But they also need to understand where the line is drawn when it comes to lawful filming.”
The incident has reignited a broader conversation about police accountability, public filming rights, and the growing impact of citizen journalism. Across the country, First Amendment auditors continue to record public servants to test transparency — but confrontations like this one highlight the tension between authority and civil liberty.
As for Press NH Now, he says he’s not backing down anytime soon. “They can threaten, they can yell, they can try to intimidate,” he said in a follow-up post. “But the camera doesn’t lie. The truth will always come out.”
With millions of views and a wave of public support, this Panama City encounter is yet another reminder that the right to record is a right worth protecting — even when it’s uncomfortable. 🎥💪
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