Montana independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar released a campaign video on Monday showing himself destroying a Flock Safety automated license plate reader with a shotgun. The ad, which has drawn national attention, positions Bodnar as a vocal opponent of the technology amid growing political and legal challenges to the surveillance system.
Core Facts of the Development
Bodnar’s video features him firing a shotgun at a Flock camera mounted beside a bag of flour, declaring, “Flock off, man!” before accusing the devices of tracking routine activities such as “getting groceries,” “going to church,” and “seeing a doctor.” The ad escalates a broader backlash against Flock Safety’s cameras, which have become a marquee issue in the 2026 midterm elections.
Flock Safety, which operates more than 120,000 cameras across 49 states, states that the devices do not sell or access user data and that law enforcement agencies own the images captured by the cameras. The company did not respond to requests for comment from Newsweek or the Washington Examiner.
Background: The Surveillance Debate
Automated license plate readers (ALPRs) like those made by Flock Safety use artificial intelligence to scan and record license plates, timestamps, and vehicle locations. Proponents argue the technology aids law enforcement in solving crimes and recovering stolen vehicles, while critics contend it enables unchecked mass surveillance and raises significant privacy concerns.
Bodnar’s ad reflects a growing trend among candidates and advocacy groups opposing ALPRs. In recent months, federal investigations, statewide bans, and criminal cases have mounted against the technology, with critics arguing that the data collected could be misused or accessed without proper oversight.
Policy and Legal Landscape
Several states have taken steps to regulate or ban ALPRs. In 2023, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed lawsuits challenging the use of the technology in multiple jurisdictions, alleging violations of privacy rights. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies continue to defend ALPRs as essential tools for public safety.
Flock Safety has maintained that its cameras are designed to capture only license plates and vehicle details, not personal identifying information such as faces or biometric data. The company also states that data is stored securely and accessed only by authorized law enforcement personnel.
Political Implications
Bodnar’s campaign video arrives as Montana voters prepare for a competitive Senate race. His opposition to Flock cameras aligns with broader concerns about digital privacy and government surveillance, themes that have gained traction among voters in recent years. The ad’s viral spread underscores the escalating political pressure on both state and federal policymakers to address the use of ALPRs.
Critics of Bodnar’s approach argue that his actions could undermine legitimate law enforcement efforts, while supporters praise the video as a bold statement against what they view as invasive surveillance practices. The debate over ALPRs shows no signs of abating, with further policy discussions and legal challenges expected in the coming months.