Long Island Audit: A Pioneer for Transparency and Accountability
Sean Paul Reyes, known across various social media platforms as Long Island Audit, has emerged as a prominent and pioneering figure in the First Amendment auditing movement and independent journalism. Through his dedicated work, Reyes has cultivated a significant platform with hundreds of thousands of followers, aiming to expose tyranny and corruption, promote transparency and accountability within government, and educate both public servants and the citizenry on their constitutional rights.
The Genesis of an Auditor
Reyes began his auditing journey approximately four years ago, inspired by videos he had seen, but noticing a void in his local area of Suffolk County, Long Island. He started by recording his local police department and government, often with just his cell phone, purposefully presenting himself as a “citizen journalist” or “regular member of We the People.” His very first audit, posted on TikTok, quickly garnered millions of views, demonstrating a significant public interest in government transparency and motivating him to expand his efforts nationwide. This early and rapid growth on social media, due to his respectful and non-antagonistic approach, quickly set him apart in the emerging field of First Amendment auditing. He has since traveled across the country, from Hawaii and California to Florida and New York, conducting audits in various government buildings and public spaces.
Long Island Audits Mission for Public Service
- Promoting Transparency and Accountability: He firmly believes that government, funded by taxpayers, must operate with transparency and be accountable to the people. His audits often target perceived corruption, nepotism, and misconduct within various government agencies, including police departments, social services, and city halls.
- Educating on Constitutional Rights: A key aspect of his work involves educating public servants and the public about the First Amendment right to record in public and publicly accessible areas. He frequently highlights how “policy does not trump the United States Constitution.”
- Bridging the Gap: Despite confrontations, Reyes actively seeks to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public. He conducts First Amendment trainings for police departments, having worked with departments in Ohio, New Jersey, and a District Attorney’s office in Georgia. These trainings emphasize mutual respect and understanding of rights.
Significant Impact and Achievements
- Legal Victories: He boasts an impressive track record of winning cases, with charges often being dismissed due to being “facially insufficient” or unconstitutional. He has successfully obtained preliminary injunctions against police departments, such as the NYPD, allowing him to record in areas previously deemed restricted.
- Affecting Change: His audits have directly led to the removal of unconstitutional “no recording” signage, the disciplining of officers, and the revision of departmental policies. For instance, a traffic violations bureau saw all unconstitutional signage removed and became more efficient after his audit.
- High-Profile Cases: Reyes has tackled high-profile cases, including exposing a police commissioner accused of corruption and police brutality, and confronting mayors over alleged sexual assault and tyranny.
- Social Media Reach: With a large following across YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok (e.g., almost 800,000 subscribers on YouTube, 350,000 on Facebook, almost 400,000 on TikTok), his work reaches millions, amplifying the message of constitutional rights and government accountability.
Unwavering Resolve Amidst Adversity
Despite facing numerous arrests (sometimes being arrested up to 10 times, always winning in court), threats, intimidation, and malicious prosecution, Reyes remains undeterred. He often shares footage from inside jail cells and courtrooms, providing an unfiltered view of the challenges he faces. He attributes his ability to remain calm in stressful situations to his mother’s advice: “Don’t let anybody control your emotions.”
Reyes is also a staunch advocate for “We the People,” believing that collective action and public awareness are crucial to upholding constitutional rights. He believes that the “court of public opinion is the strongest court.”
Like a persistent light illuminating forgotten corners, Long Island Audit’s work tirelessly pierces through the shadows of government, revealing truths, challenging authority, and ensuring that the fundamental rights enshrined in the First Amendment are not just words on paper, but living principles upheld for all.