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What started as a routine visit to Jersey City Hall turned into a constitutional crisis when officials arrested a journalist for the unthinkable crime of walking to a public bathroom. The shocking incident, captured entirely on camera, exposes a web of misconduct that reaches from security guards to city officials.
Security Guards Demand Answers at the Front Door
The trouble began the moment the reporting team arrived at Jersey City Hall. Security guards immediately confronted them, demanding to know their business and attempting to block their entry into the public building. Despite having every legal right to enter, the guards created an atmosphere of hostility that would escalate throughout the day.
The confrontation revealed the first red flag when one security official claimed to be a police officer, a statement that would later prove false. This individual would become central to the chaos that followed.
Fake Officer Issues Illegal Trespass Threats
The situation intensified when the man identifying himself as a police officer threatened journalist Sean Buckner with "defiant trespass" for attempting to access the second floor. The individual, later revealed to be a retired deputy chief now working in Human Resources, had no legal authority to make such threats.
In a bizarre twist, this fake officer then challenged Buckner to follow him into the bathroom for what appeared to be a physical confrontation. Recognizing the setup, Buckner wisely insisted on bringing a witness, knowing that without cameras allowed in the restroom, any altercation would become his word against a former cop's.
Camera Assault Triggers Police Response
The situation exploded when a city employee physically grabbed reporter Ron Durbin's camera. Despite this clear assault being captured on video, officers swarmed the scene but refused to arrest the city worker. Instead, they escorted her to safety on the third floor while declaring that very floor off-limits to the journalists.
The double standard became immediately apparent. The same officials who claimed trespassing laws applied to reporters had no problem allowing an alleged assailant to access restricted areas.
Arrested for Nature's Call
The most shocking moment came when Buckner, desperately needing to use the restroom, attempted to walk down a public hallway toward the public bathrooms. The fake officer, now revealed as the Assistant Director of Human Resources, ordered Sergeant Stothers to arrest Buckner for trespassing in his own government building.
The arrest was so legally questionable that it prompted immediate negotiations for Buckner's release. Deputy Chief officials found themselves in the awkward position of trying to justify arresting someone for walking to a bathroom in a public building.
Officers Revolt Against Illegal Order
In perhaps the most telling moment of the entire incident, multiple officers refused to sign the citation against Buckner. The sergeant repeatedly ordered his subordinates to write the ticket, but officer after officer declined, recognizing the legal absurdity of the situation.
Even after consultation with higher-ranking officials, the sergeant was forced to write the citation himself when no other officer would participate in what they clearly viewed as an illegal arrest.
The Aftermath That Demands Answers
The full video reveals additional shocking details about how Jersey City officials treat journalists and citizens attempting to document government operations. What happened when Buckner was taken to the station? How did city officials justify their actions? And what consequences, if any, did the fake officer face for impersonating law enforcement?
Watch the complete footage to see how this constitutional crisis unfolded and why multiple police officers refused to participate in their supervisor's questionable orders.
