A Clash of Rights: Filming, Fear, and Pepper Spray in Marine City

In Marine City, Michigan, a tense situation unfolded when a group of "First Amendment auditors" clashed with a local business owner. The group, known for filming public and private properties to exercise their rights, found themselves in a heated dispute with the owner of Zimmerman’s Market. The incident, which took place on January 6, has left both sides with differing accounts of what happened. The group claims they were acting lawfully, filming from public walkways and respecting boundaries. However, the business owner's daughter said the group's behavior was unsettling. She reported that they were recording and making faces, which made her feel uncomfortable. When she asked if she could assist them, the group did not respond, escalating her fear. She then called the police for help.Meanwhile, the business owner's father decided to approach a nearby police officer for assistance. As he stepped outside, a member of the group allegedly pepper-sprayed him. The man was later taken to a local hospital for treatment. Video footage of the incident has since gone viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions from viewers. The police are now investigating the incident to determine whether the use of pepper spray was self-defense or an unprovoked attack. They have seized the pepper spray and requested video footage for their review. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be submitted to the St. Clair County Prosecutor’s Office to decide if any charges will be filed. This incident raises important questions about the limits of First Amendment rights and the boundaries of public filming. While the group insists they were acting within their rights, the business owners feel their privacy and safety were violated. The outcome of this investigation will likely set a precedent for future interactions between auditors and the public.