EXCLUSIVE: Journalist Accosted by Security over Mayor Bloomberg Gun Control Question

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by Wynton Hall 28 Jan 2013, 9:01 AM PDT 191 post a comment

In an explosive exchange outside the U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in Washington, D.C., security guards for billionaire New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg accosted senior Talk Radio Network investigative reporter Jason Mattera when he asked the mayor about his strong support for gun control.

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.”