Some Youtubers are going around Southern California approaching members of the general public for the sake of content. What else is new?
But this particular group calls themselves “First Amendment Auditors” and they typically stand in front of post offices or shopping centers. They hide their identities, sometimes by wearing strange disguises. When people get upset over what they’re doing, they’ll post the video to social media.
“I've heard of where they are very antagonistic toward just the members of the general public going in and out of either a post office or one of the local merchants or standing in front of city hall trying to elicit a response,” Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Captain Robert Hahnlein, with the Crescenta Valley station, told KNX News’ Emily Valdez.
The videos are headlined along the lines of “Karens gone wild” or “Karens gone crazy.”
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
“My recommendation is just to ignore them, don't say anything to them, don't engage with them, and just go along with your business,” Hahnlein said.
He explained they’re not doing anything illegal and it is within their first amendment right. However, if they block or physically touch somebody, then it’s illegal.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok