Staff Reports
Conservative journalist James O'Keefe, founder of Project Veritas and O'Keefe Media Group, recently raised concerns about potential hacking or surveillance after his smartphone exhibited unusual behavior when trying to open a specific app. The screen went blank, and the phone turned off and on, leading O'Keefe to question whether he was being targeted.
Given the government's history of surveillance on American citizens, particularly those on the right, O'Keefe's concerns echo broader worries about privacy and potential government intrusion. The video he shared on social media captured his skepticism, with a flashing red label reading "Creepy!!" and the caption "The life of a journalist exposing the FBI and The New York Times."
James O'Keefe Says Something Odd Happens When He's on the Phone with Whistleblowers via @WestJournalism https://t.co/ZlZ2Ey3at7
— Nancy Crebs (@CrebsNancy) December 7, 2023
O'Keefe is known for his controversial work, including the book "Breakthrough: Our Guerrilla War to Expose Fraud and Save Democracy," which became a New York Times bestseller in 2013. Despite being labeled a "conservative activist," he has been recognized by some as engaging in journalism, even earning praise from Jon Stewart.
O'Keefe's concerns are not isolated, as reports have emerged about government agencies surveilling specific groups. The FBI, for instance, was found to be spying on "traditionalist U.S. Catholics," according to the Catholic Herald. GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley recently confronted FBI Director Christopher Wray about an internal memo revealing a broader investigation into Catholics that extended beyond Richmond, Virginia.
The issue goes beyond specific groups, as evidence suggests widespread surveillance by intelligence agencies. The CIA, according to a 2017 report from the San Francisco Chronicle, has utilized everyday devices like smartphones and televisions for spying on both American and foreign citizens. WikiLeaks released documents supporting this claim.
Furthermore, the Biden administration reportedly tracked all Americans who traveled to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021. This trend raises concerns about the erosion of privacy and the extent of government surveillance.
O'Keefe's experience serves as a reminder that suspicions of technological anomalies may not be unfounded, especially in a climate where privacy is increasingly questioned. The reality of potential surveillance demands vigilance, particularly for individuals with conservative leanings. O'Keefe's concerns reflect a broader awareness of a changing reality that cannot be ignored.
