VIDEO: TSA Takes Over Bus Station In Tampa, DHS Agents Threaten Journalists

Reporters forced to show papers or be “detained for 72 hours” by Homeland Security

Steve Watson
Infowars.com
Aug 29, 2012

Independent Journalists documenting the level of security theatre surrounding the Republican National Convention in Tampa were threatened with being “detained for 72 hours” by Homeland Security agents, after they filmed TSA employees occupying a Greyhound bus station close to the security perimeter.

The reporters with the Houston Free Thinkers captured video of no less than five blue shirted TSA workers manning the ticket office at the station, ready to conduct bag searches and pat downs on bus passengers.

The station, at 610 Polk Street, downtown Tampa was adorned with TSA and Homeland Security notices, designating it a high security screening area.

After filming the TSA workers inside, the reporters turned their attention to a parked Homeland Security vehicle across the street, claiming that the agent sat in the car was taking photographs of them.

Upon crossing the street to ask the agent why he was taking pictures, two more DHS vehicles pulled up and agents jumped out and immediately confronted the reporters, asking them for ID.

When the reporters refused to provide ID and asked why they were being detained, once DHS agent stated “You are filming a federal compound… that in itself is against the law.”

“The fence?” one reporter questioned.

“Everything behind the fence.” the agent replied, before again asking the reporter for ID.

When the reporter again questioned why he needed to show ID, the agent stated “This is not a game, I don’t want you to tell me anything. I want to see something, or I can hold you for 72 hours, it’s your choice.”

The reporters provided ID in order to avoid detainment, but made it clear to the DHS officers that they believed the agents were violating their rights.

Watch the exchange below:

As the reporters’ live internet video feed went down, the DHS officers asked them if they had any weapons. One agent asked “Do you mind if we check your bag, while you are standing on federal property?”

“The street is federal property?” the reporter asked.

“You pay your tax dollars to who?” the agent replied, before answering his own question, “The State AND the Fed.”

The agent then claimed that as soon as the reporters set foot in the State of Florida they were “on federal property”.

Watch the exchange:

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