LEON VALLEY, Texas (AP) — A group of activists who describe themselves as First Amendment “auditors” have filed a federal lawsuit against a suburban San Antonio police department on claims that include unlawful arrests and excessive force.
The lawsuit filed Wednesday against Leon Valley police Chief Joseph Salvaggio and his officers claims the constitutional rights of the activists were violated during three separate June protests at the police station.
The group says it targeted Leon Valley over what it perceived as an unlawful arrest and claims officers use heavy-handed tactics.
The San Antonio Express-News reports that the group has used “video activism” to protest in other cities and question officials over constitutional matters, often posting the confrontation to YouTube.
Salvaggio says the actions of his officers were justified and describes the activists as “anarchists.”