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Tennessee commissioner calls for Flock Safety executive's execution over surveillance technology

A local official's remarks against automated license plate readers prompted a Tennessee county sheriff to suspend camera operations.

The short version

  • Kingsport Commissioner Joe Carr stated that the CEO of Flock Safety should be hanged publicly for treason over privacy concerns.[Fox News]
  • Carr later stated that his remarks were an appeal for due process and a legal trial rather than random political killings.[Fox News]
  • Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy suspended the county's 10 Flock automated license plate readers after the controversy.[Fox News]
  • Flock's automated license plate readers face national scrutiny, with approximately 100 municipalities canceling or deactivating contracts.[Fox News]

Key facts

  • Kingsport Commissioner Joe Carr told a Flock Safety representative that the company's CEO should be hanged publicly for treason.[Fox News]
  • Carr later clarified that he did not support political random killings or lynchings and was instead calling for due process.[Fox News]
  • Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy suspended the operation of 10 Flock license plate reader cameras in the county following Carr's remarks.[Fox News]
  • Around 100 municipalities nationwide have deactivated or canceled their contracts with Flock.[Fox News]
  • DeFlock.org data shows over 135,000 automated license plate readers identified nationwide, with Flock operating approximately four out of every five.[Fox News]
  • NPR reported that Flock surveillance cameras have experienced vandalism in at least 36 states.[Fox News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.