Congressman bars student from recording

Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., told a University of Maryland student reporter she could not record him after a debate, threatening prosecution if she did.

“You do not have my permission to record! If you record, we will refer you to the prosecutor.”

Other journalists were recording

The student reporter pointed out that other journalists in the public space were also recording Harris with their devices during the postdebate interview.

“Everyone in here is recording.”

Harris invoked Maryland wiretapping law

Harris cited Maryland's Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Act, which makes it a felony to record private conversations without both parties' consent.

“We are in a two-party state.”

The law does not cover public spaces

Maryland's two-party consent law only protects private conversations. Recording is allowed where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy.

Harris demanded camera be taken

When the student asked Harris about the Iran war, he told staff to take her camera, saying she was violating the law and asking for an officer.

“You're gonna have to take her camera. She is violating the law. In fact, get an officer in here.”

First Amendment expert disagrees

Kevin Goldberg, vice president of the Freedom Forum, said Harris's argument fails because the reporters were in a public space where they had a right to work.

“If a reporter has a right to be in a space and work as a reporter, they cannot be denied that right simply because somebody doesn't like the coverage.”

Harris ended the interview abruptly

When the student asked Harris what his First Amendment stance meant given his actions, he left the interview, telling other reporters she was ruining their chance to ask questions.

“All right guys, she's ruining your chance to get an answer about anything. See y'all. Thank her profusely.”

Opponent attacks Harris's conduct

Harris's Democratic opponent Dan Schwartz said the congressman is out of touch with voters and more interested in picking fights than offering real answers.

Harris seeking ninth term in House

Harris is running for re-election to Congress. The confrontation happened after a contentious debate where he faced scrutiny over the Iran war and rising diesel prices.