Journalist Accosted By Security Over Mayor Bloomberg Gun Control Question
In the video, Bloomberg is seen surrounded by security. Mattera approaches Bloomberg and asks, “In the spirit of gun control, will you disarm your entire security team?”
Bloomberg’s reply: “Uh, you, we’ll get right back to you.”
“Why can you defend yourself but not the majority of Americans?” Mattera asks as the mayor walks away. “Look at the team of security you’ve got. And you’re an advocate for gun control?”
The video then cuts to Mattera walking further down the street when one of the men guarding Bloomberg, identified as Officer Stockton NYPD, stops Mattera and asks to see his photo ID.
Mattera complies before asking, “Is this standard procedure for the press? Wait, wait, wait, it’s standard procedure to be questioning members of the press?
The officer reaches inside his jacket and grabs a pen, as if to write down the journalist’s name. “You’re going to write it down now?” asks Mattera. “Oh, no, sorry,” says Officer Stockton.
The video then cuts to a scene further down the street where Officer Stockton, trailing Mattera once again, can be heard saying, “Mr. Mattera, sir? Do you have a date of birth?”
“It’s none of your business what my date of birth is,” Mattera replies.
Mattera’s Jan. 18th on-the-street interview, done in conjunction with Talk Radio Network’s “The Andrea Tantaros Show,” is not the first time Mattera has received brusque treatment for asking liberal politicians tough questions.
The two-time New York Times bestselling author’s past on-the-street interviews have created viral video Internet sensations. In 2011, Vice President Joe Biden warned Mattera “Let’s get it straight, guy–don’t screw around with me” when he confronted Biden about his use of a rape reference when discussing Republican opposition to President Barack Obama’s “jobs” bill.
The Washington Post calls Bloomberg “America’s most prominent and deep-pocketed advocate for gun control.”
Newtown Fathers Speak Out
Mark Mattioli, whose six-year-old son James perished inside of the school, testified that a plethora of new gun laws isn’t the answer and that, instead, personal responsibility, accountability and civility are the best path forward. He made his comments as intense debate surrounding gun control and the causal factors behind the shooting continue to be at the forefront of public discussion.
The grieving father, who ended up receiving a standing ovation, said that he believes in “simple, few gun laws” and that there are already “more than enough on the books.” Mattioli contends that “the problem is not gun laws” and that these regulations simply need to be enforced.
“How do we expect to have any impact on a society and say, ‘We’re going to pass a law. Hey this is inexcusable. We can’t allow any more of this. Let’s pass a law that will change the course of the future’ when we don’t enforce the laws that we have on the books — the most important laws?,” he asked.
Gun activists heckle father of child killed at Sandy Hook
The grieving father of a six-year-old boy killed during the Sandy Hook massacre was heckled by gun activists as he begged for tighter firearms restrictions in the wake of the tragedy.