WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn successfully protected a constituent from unwanted attention Thursday by creating a highly shareable confrontation expected to identify the man to significantly more people than the original video ever would have.
Witnesses said Nunn noticed a camera near the constituent, and instinctively rushed to take decisive action and ensure the footage became interesting enough for television stations, political organizations and thousands of social media users to distribute it statewide instantly.
“Before that, it was just a boring video of two men walking,” said campaign communications director Tyler Brask. “Now people are pausing it, zooming in and trying to figure out who everyone is. That’s how seriously Zach takes privacy.”
Staff members later praised the congressman for repeatedly drawing attention to the constituent while loudly explaining that no attention should be drawn to him.
The office has since implemented additional privacy protections, including issuing a public statement, emailing supporters about the incident and preparing a fundraising message featuring a freeze-frame from the video.
At press time, Nunn was reportedly considering a press conference to demand everyone stop looking at it.
