01-28-2021, 07:17 PM
sekker wrote:
[quote=Ted King]
I'm with vision63 on this one. If this was what legally qualifies as a private event and the reporters were allowed into the private event by saying they would abide by the "terms of service" that they would be allowed to observe but not ask questions, then I think the people who put on the event were within their rights to tell the reporter to leave. And the police were not doing anything wrong in escorting the reporter out of the event.
I guess a lot depends on whether or not this was legally a private event.
I agree except - if this was a 'private' event, I want to see the bill for off-hour security paid to the citizens. Just because she is a member of the US House does NOT mean she has the 'right' to hold 'private' meetings and have those paid for by the public.
For those who may be unfamiliar with scheduling private (or public) events, there will almost always be a body to which you must submit an application, even if it's held at a Holiday Inn. These venues, even if privately owned, are still governed by local municipal regulations concerning crowd size. On that application you would list the proposed number of attendees. If that number exceeds X, you must hire a police officer. That PO will then be your "security" for the event and it will also cover the agreement with the venue. Now, doesn't mean that the PO will or should abrogate any constitutional rights, but it's been known to happen. Again, agree with above, if this was a "private" event, they can kick out anyone they wish.