# Daily Wire film production dispute in Livingston, Montana

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/daily-wire-film-production-dispute-in-livingston-montana
> Updated: 2026-10-07T17:31:47.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

The Livingston City Commission in Montana temporarily suspended the filming permit for the Daily Wire production ‘Pawn Shop’ following community concerns. Local residents and officials cited inadequate notification regarding hazardous stunts and negative impacts on local businesses. Specifically, the Livingston Food Resource Center reported a 17% drop in attendance, noting that the production created barriers for clients. Commission member Cindy Daniels suggested the production was not benefiting the community and noted the film includes a scene depicting the fatal shooting of an ICE activist.

Filming has since resumed. In response to the temporary halt, Ben Shapiro accused city officials of “content discrimination” and violating the First Amendment, arguing the suspension was a politically motivated attempt to suppress specific viewpoints. Producers defended the production, stating they had canvassed the area and posted appropriate notices.

Following the reinstatement of the permit, the production—reportedly starring Danny Trejo and Harvey Keitel—continues under new conditions imposed by the city commission to limit noise and violence. The film remains a point of contention, as critics argue that scenes re-enacting the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a mother killed by an immigration official, are designed to support a specific political narrative regarding immigration enforcement. While the commission implemented these new restrictions to address community disruptions such as road closures and simulated gunfire, the decision has fueled ongoing debate between local residents and figures like Shapiro, who criticized the local government for yielding to protesters.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-07: Livingston, Montana resumes filming of controversial Daily Wire movie

The Daily Wire film ‘Pawn Shop’ has resumed filming in Livingston, Montana, after local backlash over its portrayal of a real-life fatal shooting and disruptions to the community.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/livingston-montana-resumes-filming-of-controversial-daily-wire-movie

### 2026-10-06: Ben Shapiro resumes filming pro-ICE movie in Montana

Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire film ‘Pawn Shop’ has resumed production in Livingstone, Montana, following a temporary permit suspension sparked by local protests and First Amendment concerns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ben-shapiro-resumes-filming-pro-ice-movie-in-montana

### 2026-10-04: Livingston officials suspend Daily Wire film production permit

Livingston, Montana, officials have suspended the permit for Daily Wire’s film ‘Pawn Shop’ following community protests over safety, local business impacts, and disruptions to a food resource center.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/livingston-officials-suspend-daily-wire-film-production-permit

---
Cite as: Daily Wire film production dispute in Livingston, Montana. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/daily-wire-film-production-dispute-in-livingston-montana