In Missouri, a police encounter over a man recording video outside a bank has drawn scrutiny after officers arrested him for refusing to provide identification. The incident, captured on bodycam footage, involves Ariel Moses, who runs a YouTube channel focused on First Amendment audits, and has reignited debate over police handling of constitutional rights and racial profiling.

The confrontation occurred on Nov. 4 in Grandview when Officer Beau Bailey and his partner responded to a “suspicious activity” call made by bank employees. Moses, who was filming the building with a GoPro, repeatedly asserted his legal right to record in public. Despite his explanations, Bailey insisted that Moses identify himself, arguing that his behavior was suspicious and claiming authority under Missouri’s stop-and-ID laws.

Bodycam footage reveals a heated exchange in which Moses reminded the officers that filming in public is protected by the First Amendment and does not constitute reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. Officer Bailey, who touted his 17 years of experience, declared himself an expert on constitutional law but failed to cite any case law when challenged. The encounter escalated, with Moses arrested and later released without providing his real name.

Legal experts point out that Missouri’s stop-and-ID statute requires reasonable suspicion that a person is committing or is about to commit a crime—criteria that Moses’s actions did not meet. Advocates have criticized the officers for what they see as an overreach of authority and a misunderstanding of constitutional protections. The arrest has also fueled broader concerns about racial bias and the treatment of Black individuals exercising their rights in public spaces.

After being held for two hours, Moses was released and returned to the location of his arrest. Carrying a paper bag marked “John Doe” and “B/M” (Black male), he recounted his experience in a video shared with his YouTube followers. “He said he’s been on the force 17 years,” Moses said of Bailey. “Yeah, he learned real quick.” Moses has not yet confirmed whether he plans to file a lawsuit.