REMOVED

For those of you who don't know, I'm a producer with Real America's Voice and fill several other roles as well. These roles include sound engineer, camera operator, graphic designer, photographer, and many more.

Today I was sent out in the field to get some footage for the network of the Capitol walls erected as well as the increased presence of National Guard and police.

Within a few minutes of arriving and beginning to film, I was approached by two officers asking me to explain who I was, why I was there, what I was filming, and why. I initially decided to keep my information to myself, outside of the network I was there to film for, but after some persistence I gave them my name when they assured me in doing so they would let others in the area know I meant no harm and was simply there to cover as press. They also asked for my phone number, which I refused.

After that I was told I could go, and made it a block, before having the same officer run up to me and tell me his supervisor would like to speak to me. At that same time a police car with its lights on pulled up, as well as several other officers approach me. At this point it was about 6 or 7 around me.

I asked if I was in trouble, or if I did anything wrong, and they assured me I had not but they wanted more information and to "interview" me. There were two plain females I was told were with "intel" and they wanted to ask me questions after I was interviewed by the officers.

I called my boss and asked him what to do, and he told me to fully co-operate. I got off the phone and told them that and that I was willing to do whatever I could to alleviate their concerns.

Pretty much immediately after that an officer asked me to give him my Social Security number... which I promptly refused. I told him I would be willing to give my first and last name, as well as my birthdate, but I was not comfortable sharing my Social Security number.

After I provided that information I was interviewed by one of the females in plain clothes. She showed me a badge and it seemed she was with the Capitol Police. She assured me she just wanted to know "my side of the story" so I explained the situation all over again.

After I was done explaining, I asked again if I had done anything wrong or if I was in trouble, she told me I was not. She then asked me if I was at the Capitol on the 6th. I informed her I was at Trump's speech to cover it for our network, but I had left and gone back to our studio after and never even got close to the Capitol.

She then asked me if she could take my picture. I told her yes. We were in a public area and I knew if they hadn't already, which they certainly had, they would do it anyways.

After that I was told that I am cleared to go about my business and next time to bring my press pass, although they would likely still ask me questions like this time.

For what it's worth, I saw other people walking around and taking pictures/video and didn't see any of them approached. I was wearing neutral clothing that wouldn't bring attention to myself as anything other than a tourist.

Today on Raheem Kassam's show "The National Pulse" I shared my story. It was less than two minutes and I could have done better but I was producing/directing/coordinating the show at the same time I was trying to interview with him.

I am sharing this with you all so you know that even as press, they are buttoned down TIGHT around the Capito and Supreme Court. Tomorrow I plan on going back and covering it all over again, because my job as press doesn't stop after what happened today.

Once the segment for The National Pulse is up for me to access, I left the office to take care of some personal stuff, I will update this post and provide a link to it.

Please support actual journalism and news by watching Real America's Voice and definitely tune into the show I put my heart into making, The National Pulse (M-F 3-4pm EST). Download the app, share it with friends, and always feel free to reach out if you have news or inside information that isn't being covered.

Stay safe, everyone! We will continue to pursue the truth regardless of any intimidation or censorship we may face!