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When a journalist walked into Bristow City Hall with a camera, Mayor Chris Wyatt had an unusual response: she cranked up Taylor Swift music, apparently believing copyrighted audio would somehow stop the recording. The strange confrontation that followed reveals how some public officials react when citizens exercise their First Amendment rights.
The incident began as a routine records request but quickly escalated into a constitutional showdown that left the mayor looking foolish and potentially exposed the city to legal liability.
The Music Gambit That Backfired
As the journalist attempted to request public records, Mayor Wyatt appeared and began playing loud music in what seemed like a deliberate attempt to interfere with the recording. When confronted about her actions, she refused to turn off the music or explain her behavior.
The journalist calmly explained that editors can easily remove copyrighted audio from footage, making the mayor's tactic both ineffective and embarrassing. "I know what you're trying to do, and let me just tell you, it makes you look like a fool," he told her.
Wyatt's response was to simply walk away, leaving others to deal with the situation she had created.
City Attorney Steps In
City Attorney Beth Anne Childs eventually emerged to handle what had become a tense situation. Unlike the mayor, Childs attempted to be professional and helpful, agreeing to provide the requested open records forms and contact information.
However, the damage was already done. The journalist made it clear that the mayor's actions likely violated his constitutional rights and could expose the city to a lawsuit. Childs listened but offered no response about her client's behavior.
The conversation revealed that Wyatt was elected at-large, meaning the entire city chose her to represent them. Her conduct in this situation raises questions about her understanding of basic constitutional rights and professional behavior expected of elected officials.
The Real Records Request
Beyond the constitutional drama, the journalist had come seeking information about the city's wastewater treatment practices. He specifically wanted testing records for treated solids that are often spread on farmland, a legitimate public health concern.
Childs explained that Bristow likely uses a waste management company rather than directly applying treated waste to agricultural land. She seemed knowledgeable about the process and willing to provide the requested information through proper channels.
This mundane but important government transparency work was what triggered the mayor's bizarre overreaction.
Pattern of Problematic Behavior
The journalist revealed this wasn't an isolated incident, stating it was the third time in four days that a public official had tried to use copyrighted music to interfere with recording. This suggests either a coordinated strategy or a viral misunderstanding about how copyright law works.
The tactic demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of both First Amendment rights and copyright law, while creating potential liability for government entities whose officials engage in such behavior.
What the Video Reveals
While the transcript captures the basic confrontation, the full video shows exactly how a mayor behaves when faced with a camera and a simple records request. Her body language, tone, and complete lack of professionalism are on full display.
The contrast between the mayor's hostile reaction and the city attorney's professional response highlights the difference between someone who understands public service and someone who appears to view transparency as a threat.
Watch the complete footage to see how an elected official's attempt to silence a journalist backfired spectacularly.
