Here’s What You Couldn’t Hear Last Night as Brian Gomes Reveals His Unexpected Flock Camera Stance to Fun 107

Here's what you didn't hear Thursday night as New Bedford City Councilor Brian Gomes was shouted down as he tried to share his thoughts on Flock cameras.

The crowd that gathered in the gallery of the council chambers did not hold back its chants to "DeFlock Now" as Gomes tried to speak. The meeting was deemed so out of order that Council President Ryan Pereira decided to abruptly end it.

This morning, The MGM Show gave Gomes the chance to share his thoughts without interruption on the controversial cameras.

WATCH: City Council Meeting Suspended Due to Unruly Anti-Flock Crowd

What Happened at the New Bedford City Council Meeting?

After Gomes tried and failed to speak on his motion, Pereira called a recess to try to de-escalate the situation and calm the room. Spectators were reminded of meeting rules and regulations, but the disruptions continued once the meeting resumed. The meeting was ultimately suspended at 7:53 p.m. due to what officials described as a lack of decorum.

Courtesy City of New Bedford

Gomes, who has served on the New Bedford City Council for 36 years, said he has never witnessed anything like it.

"I've been through many meetings, tons of people in our chambers, whether we're fighting for jobs or fighting for something that would be on behalf of the people. Nothing like that," Gomes said. "That was not a class act, and they were not being a class act."

What Is Gomes' Position on Flock Cameras?

Gomes told the Fun 107 audience that his motion was intended to bring together all parties, including Flock camera representatives, city police, and the administration to address concerns before moving forward. He said one of the biggest mistakes made was the lack of public notice that the cameras were even in use.

Gomes also expressed concern after finding out that any police officer could access the cameras without oversight. "I was surprised to find out that the police could just use them, any police officer could use it. I thought you would have to go through a chain of command to get the information that you wanted, and that's what it should be," he said. "And if you couldn't do that, then I find it unconstitutional."

He said he supports cameras in general, citing his history of advocating for cruiser and body cameras in the 1990s, but wants clear policies in place to protect both public safety and residents' rights before fully endorsing the program. "All I want is not to have people's rights violated, and I want these cameras used properly, and I can support it if we can put all those measures into place," Gomes said.

What Happens Next?

Ironically, the city council was gearing up to vote on suspending use of the Flock cameras, a motion that was expected to pass, but the protests disturbed the proceedings enough that they weren't able to take the vote.

READ MORE: Flock Cameras Suspended in New Bedford Following Public Outcry, Investigation of Officer

Since Thursday night's meeting was suspended before several agenda items could be addressed, those items will be handled at a special meeting on Tuesday, August 25 at 7 p.m.

READ MORE: Pereira Reschedules Halted New Bedford Meeting Following Anti-Flock Disruption