His voice clipped and professional. Did everyone see that? Called out Mr. Martinez from across the street. He just assaulted her for no reason.
She's not even resisting. Mind your own business. Another officer shouted back. Clear the area. Everyone back inside their homes.
Nobody moved. Instead, more neighbors emerged drawn by the commotion. The yellow porch lights clicked on one by one illuminating the growing crowd of witnesses. Angela heard the distinctive sound of social media notifications as people began sharing the videos in real time. Marcus, Angela spoke into the phone again.
Her voice carrying clearly in the tense atmosphere. They're about to enter the house. Officer Griggs has physically assaulted me twice now. Captain Holt is directing everything. Keep that phone recording.
Marcus replied. I've got JAG lawyers conferencing in right now. They're pulling up your property's federal status. Captain Holt signaled to the officers at the door. Enough of this circus.
Get that door open and clear the house. Sir. One of the younger officers called out. Shouldn't we wait for the warrant? I said clear that house.
Holt snapped his composure cracking slightly. This is a time-sensitive operation. Angela noticed a subtle shift in the other officers' postures. Several exchanged uncertain glances. They could feel the situation spiraling beyond their control with too many witnesses and too many cameras recording their actions.
The sound of a door being forced open cracked through the night air. Angela turned to see two officers disappearing into her house, flashlight beams dancing across her living room walls through the windows. Marcus, they've entered the house, Angela reported calmly. No warrant, no documentation, forced entry. Perfect, Marcus replied.
And Angela detected a hint of satisfaction in his voice. Keep narrating everything you see. JAG's got the property records pulled up. They're conferencing with the Pentagon legal office right now. Officer Griggs tightened his grip again trying to provoke a reaction.
Your husband can call whoever he wants. Won't change anything happening right here, right now. Angela ignored him keeping her attention on Captain Holt. The police captain's earlier smugness had developed a brittle edge. He kept glancing at the growing crowd of neighbors, at all those recording phones pointed in his direction.
Captain, Angela said, her voice clear and professional. I need to inform you that this property falls under federal military housing protection due to my husband's classified status and assignments. Unauthorized entry could constitute a federal offense. Holt's face tightened. You expect me to believe that?
This is local jurisdiction, Mrs. Brooks. Your husband's job doesn't change that. Check it yourself, Angela replied calmly. The property's federal status was updated last year.