YouTube Activist Arrested, Contradicting Police Account

A well-known YouTube activist recently posted a video of his arrest at the Suffolk County PBA headquarters, which appears to differ from the police’s version of events.

Sean Reyes, who is also recognized as the Long Island Comptroller, was taken into custody last Thursday for allegedly trespassing at the Police Benevolent Association building in Brentwood. He drove there in a billboard truck, which displayed a report about a police officer admitting to misconduct while still remaining on the force until his pension payout.

In his video, uploaded Sunday morning, Reyes stated, “I peacefully exercised my First Amendment rights and drove my sign truck to police union headquarters to discuss reports of a concerning misconduct settlement with union president Lou Civello.”

The truck featured a picture of Civello alongside the statement, “Defending police officers who admit wrongdoing,” which also included the assertion that he leads the Police Malice Association.

In the footage, Reyes can be seen approaching the lobby of the union’s headquarters with a camera and microphone but is stopped from entering by security guards.

Shortly afterward, Civello, dressed in civilian clothes, emerged with two other officers. They greeted a waiting woman and then told Reyes he was on private property.

As captured in the video, Reyes responded to Civello’s request for him to leave by saying, “Lou Civello, how are you doing? Of course I’m fine.”

Reyes is then shown walking backwards out of the building while Civello repeatedly instructed him, “Get out or you’re going to be arrested.”

The YouTuber, who boasts over a million subscribers, assured officers multiple times that he was leaving as he made his way back to his truck, also inviting Civello to join him for a discussion on his show.

Eventually, Civello indicated that Reyes would be arrested.

“You’re a very tough guy, so just do it,” Reyes said, to which Civello responded by arresting him as another colleague turned off the camera.

This video seems to counter Civello’s earlier statements claiming Reyes had threatened police and even mentioned coming to his home before the arrest. The footage does not include any exchanges that took place after Reyes was handcuffed.

Facing third-degree criminal trespass charges, Reyes received a citation.

He has announced plans to protest his arrest on the sidewalk outside the PBA headquarters on July 1.

A representative for PBA President Lou Civello did not provide a comment when requested.