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Major YouTube accountability journalists are coordinating what organizers call the largest First Amendment investigation event ever assembled. The gathering targets Union City, New Jersey, during National Police Night Out on August 6th, with confirmed attendance from Long Island Audit, James Freeman, and Accountability for All.
The Arrest That Sparked a Movement
The event stems from the July 16th arrest of investigative journalist Leroy Truth during a Union City commissioners meeting. Truth was reportedly arrested while speaking during his allocated five-minute public comment period, after investigating allegations of sexual harassment within Mayor Brian Stack's government. Police allegedly told Truth they would not allow "disparaging remarks" about commissioners, creating what organizers describe as a chilling effect on First Amendment rights.
High-Profile Journalists Confirm Attendance
Long Island Audit, one of YouTube's most prominent government accountability channels, has confirmed participation alongside James Freeman and Accountability for All. The convergence represents an unusual coordination between typically independent journalists, suggesting the Union City situation has galvanized the accountability community. Organizers describe driving 21 hours from Oklahoma and coordinating multi-day investigations around the August 6th focal point.
Mayor's Event Becomes Backdrop for Investigation
Union City's National Police Night Out runs from 6 PM to 9 PM at Robert Waters School on Summit Avenue. Journalists noted the city's promotional banner prominently features "Mayor Brian Stack and Commissioners" in large text, with police mentioned in barely visible small print. A commissioners meeting is scheduled for 7 PM that evening, the same type of meeting where Truth's arrest occurred.
Multi-Day Investigation Planned
The August 6th gathering serves as the centerpiece of a broader investigation. Participating journalists plan to arrive August 3rd through 5th for preliminary work, with some staying through August 9th for extended coverage. The coordination includes potential stops in Chicago to investigate Mayor Tiffany Henyard in Dalton on the return trip, suggesting a regional accountability tour.
The Stakes Keep Rising
Organizers emphasized peaceful exercise of constitutional rights while acknowledging New Jersey's restrictive laws. They plan to ask hard questions, film in public spaces, and potentially speak at the commissioners meeting. However, the livestream reveals coordination details and participant concerns that suggest tensions may escalate beyond what anyone expects.
Watch the full planning session to see what these journalists really have planned and why they believe this event will change everything.
