Attacked by security guards for taking pictures at Miami-Dade rail system

Yesterday, Jan. 21, 2013, a video was released (below) of two men who were arrested by security officers for the Miami-Dade Metrorail system. They were taking pictures of the Dade County Courthouse from the platform of the rail system while waiting for the train to take them back home.

At that time, they heard over the P.A. system that there were “two guys taking pictures.” Soon, they were approached by two uniformed security officers from 50 State Security, the video reveals.

Carlos Miller, a Miami Multi Media Journalist states in the video that he and his friend from California were not doing anything illegal, i.e., smoking, crossing the yellow safety floor marker, etc. As the officers approached, Miller noted on camera that he has a pending state lawsuit against 50 State Security. He said it seems that they have a problem with anyone taking pictures there.

Attacked by security guards for taking photos at Miami-Dade rail systemAttacked by security guards for taking photos at Miami-Dade rail system

The two officers originally told Miller that it was against the law to take pictures of the rails. He said that he was not doing that, he was photographing the Dade County Courthouse. However, as might be expected, the security team then accused Miller of being drunk, which he was not.

Miller was recording the incident on his iPhone, and his friend was recording on his camera.

At that time the a third security officer showed up and all three crowded Miller toward the top of the escalator, then one of the officers pushes Miller as if to push him down the escalator, Miller pushed back.

That is when they jumped him, held him with a strangle hold and cuffed him. At that same time, one of the security team threatened Millers friend with “you’re going to jail next.” Both men were handcuffed and detained. Shortly after, the City of Miami, and Miami-Dade police arrived.

They were released an hour later with a $100 citation accusing the pair of “producing loud or excessive noise,” which was not true, as can be seen in the video.

According to Miller on his website, Photography Is Not A Crime, he was pushed, choked, bloodied, and his shirt was ripped by the security team.

There is no law that says it is unlawful to photograph the rail system there.

© 2013 by Jake Jones

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