GoKawiilSan Diego activist dons Darth Vader costume to mock city's Flock Safety surveillance deal
At a San Diego City Council budget meeting, DJ and activist Anthony Ralphs appeared as Darth Vader to satirize the city's renewed contract with surveillance firm Flock Safety, delivering a mock endorsement praising the technology's ability to track 'rebel scum.' The stunt, filmed and shared online, went viral across TikTok and Instagram, reaching millions of viewers. Ralphs, who has spent roughly a year opposing the San Diego Police Department's use of Flock's tools, later revealed his identity behind the mask to take credit for the performance.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The viral stunt highlights growing public unease over police use of Flock Safety's surveillance systems, which have been linked to misuse by officers and, according to a WIRED code review, capabilities extending well beyond license plate tracking. It also shows how humor and performance art can amplify civic advocacy and draw mainstream attention to opaque municipal surveillance contracts that might otherwise go unnoticed.
- A San Diego activist used a Darth Vader costume to satirize the city's Flock Safety surveillance contract at a council meeting.
- The video went viral, drawing millions of views and spotlighting concerns about police surveillance overreach.
- WIRED's code review found Flock's AI tools capture more than license plates, raising fresh privacy questions.
Hasbro Star Wars Darth Vader Electronic Voice-Changer Mask — The mask that turned a city council comment period into a viral moment — Hasbro's Darth Vader helmet comes with the built-in voice changer that gives you those iconic mechanical breaths and deep vocal rumble. It's a fun costume centerpiece for Halloween, conventions, or, apparently, making a memorable point at public meetings.
See Hasbro Star Wars Darth Vader Electronic Voice-Changer Mask on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: wired.com — Vittoria Elliott, 2026-08-25
Published there as: “‘Darth Vader’ Wants You to Know He Definitely Supports Flock Surveillance”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.