Peaceful protest: Florida retiree blocks surveillance systems
Regardless of whether the camera is made by Flock Safety, Rekor Systems, Axon, Motorola Solutions, or any other ALPR manufacturer, the controversy surrounding automatic license plate reader systems is not about a specific company but about the technology itself. This is what 77-year-old Carl Gunn is trying to convey as he peacefully blocks the view of cameras every Saturday in St. Petersburg, Florida, using a homemade sign while avoiding damage to the equipment.
A method that does not harm equipment
Every Saturday, Gunn positions himself under one of the automatic license plate readers in St. Petersburg, where police say about 50 Flock Safety cameras are installed. According to local news reports, he deliberately chose a peaceful protest after seeing others resort to property damage. “I thought, ‘How can I express my opinion?'” Gunn said in an interview with FOX 13. “They destroy property. I don’t want to do that.”
During the protest, Gunn stands under the camera holding a pole with a sign that blocks its field of view. It is reported that during one of the protests, police officers approached him but allowed him to continue the picket. None of the published reports indicate that the demonstrator was arrested.
Note: One of America’s largest police departments decided not to renew its contract for Flock cameras
From a legal standpoint, whether his method is lawful remains uncertain. This is a key point, as Gunn clearly distinguishes his approach from acts of vandalism against ALPR cameras.
Public reaction and broader context
INCREDIBLE!!!
A 77-year-old Florida man staged a solo protest against a Flock camera, blocking its view by holding a 12-foot pool skimmer in front of the lens.
He was filmed speaking with police, and a passing driver shouted, “What’s your name? I’ll pay your bail!”
Then… — Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) July 28, 2026
Across the country, there has been a wave of public protests, including acts that disable cameras. However, Gunn has focused on conveying his position without damaging public property.
It is worth emphasizing that this is not just a story about Flock Safety. Flock has become one of the most well-known brands in the ALPR industry, but agencies across North America also use systems from companies such as Rekor Systems, Axon, Motorola Solutions, Genetec, and others.
Several U.S. cities have terminated contracts with Flock, but at least a dozen have signed new agreements with other ALPR manufacturers. It seems that neither Gunn nor those who follow his example pay attention to which brand is on the camera.
Main photo: Matt Van Swol on X
Given that the controversy surrounding automatic license plate readers will continue, Carl Gunn’s actions demonstrate that even one person can draw attention to an issue without breaking the law. His example inspires others to seek nonviolent ways to express dissent, which is especially important in an era when surveillance technologies are becoming increasingly widespread. Society is increasingly raising questions about the balance between security and privacy, and such protests encourage a broader discussion about the limits of state and corporate intrusion into everyday life.