During a discussion of diesel costs, Harris blamed high prices in part on Democrats and environmental regulations. Audience members interrupted, prompting the Republican congressman, who represents Maryland’s 1st District, to tell them they supported free speech only when they agreed with the speaker. He called one attendee rude.

After the forum, Capital News Service reporter Cat Murphy recorded a news conference with her cellphone while asking Harris questions. Harris said she needed his permission to film, invoking Maryland’s two-party consent law. He told her she was no longer invited, called for someone to escort her out and said her recording could be referred to a prosecutor. Murphy responded that the press had been invited and questioned why Harris was seeking to remove a journalist after speaking about the First Amendment.

Harris also called for someone to take Murphy’s camera. She continued asking about his comments on the war in Iran, but Harris ended the exchange and left. The Baltimore Banner recorded the confrontation.

On Wednesday, Harris told WBAL Radio that the news conference took place in a private room where he believed there was an expectation of privacy. He said Murphy had made a comment about how he was conducting interviews rather than asking a serious question, and argued that he could deny her permission to record. Murphy told WBAL-TV she was doing her job. Attorney Steve Silverman told the station that Maryland’s two-party consent law applies to private conversations.

The episode put the congressman’s remarks about free expression at the forum in contrast with his effort to restrict a reporter’s recording at a press event. The available account does not report that Murphy was removed or that any law-enforcement action followed.