San Diego City Council meeting interrupted by Darth Vader protest against surveillance

A man dressed as Darth Vader appeared at a San Diego City Council meeting to protest the use of Flock surveillance technology. Using the persona to satirize the system, the individual argued that the cameras, which are primarily used for automated license plate recognition, could be used for mass surveillance and to track citizens beyond their vehicles.

During the session, the individual made references to the Star Wars franchise, suggesting the technology would help the “Emperor” find “rebel scum” and even jokingly telling Councilmember Jennifer Campbell she needed to refine her “Jedi mind tricks.”

The protest highlights growing opposition to Flock Safety, a company providing surveillance tools to approximately 5,000 communities across 49 U.S. states. Civil rights activists have raised concerns that these systems facilitate mass surveillance, leading to various campaigns aimed at canceling contracts with the provider.