An independent journalist who was arrested twice this year for filming inside two Brooklyn NYPD precincts sued the city on Monday, arguing a policy that bans filming in police stations violates local, state and federal law.
SeanPaul Reyes, who goes by “Long Island Audit” on social media, has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on YouTube, Facebook and TikTok by filming himself in government buildings to test whether officials will allow him to exercise his First Amendment rights. Often, the officials call the police to remove him instead.
The videos of his tense encounters with government employees and law enforcement have racked up millions of views. While critics have accused him of provoking arguments for clicks, Reyes, 32, considers himself a journalist and a constitutional activist, filming in order to hold public officials accountable and to educate his viewers about the laws and their rights.
“This is not just about my rights. This is not about the individual,” he said at a press conference Monday. “This is about we, the people’s, rights.”
A spokesperson for the law department said city lawyers will review the case. The NYPD did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Recently, Reyes has turned his attention to the NYPD. The Suffolk County resident has visited several police precincts throughout the city and questioned officers about signs that hang in the lobby warning members of the public that recording and photography inside the building are prohibited.
Reyes was arrested while videotaping at the 61st precinct in April and at the 75th precinct in June. The Brooklyn DA’s Office dismissed the first case, according to a letter filed as part of the lawsuit. Reyes still faces charges of trespassing and obstruction of government administration for the second arrest, according to court records. The DA’s office declined to comment.
“I was arrested because I refused to stop recording inside of a precinct. Where is the transparency in…
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