A man running for mayor decided to hold a press conference outside of an elementary school in Fresno, California. What would be a normal incident turned disturbing after details of the man’s past came to light. He is a registered offender after a conviction for possession of illegal images involving minors.
TikToker Robbie Harvey shared a clip of the news conference on TikTok. The individual in question is 41-year-old Rene Campos, who stationed himself outside St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Fresno, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. Just across the street was Big Picture Educational Academy, with students from kindergarten to eighth grade.
During the clip, Campos defended his “rehabilitation,” acknowledging his past, saying, “If the standard becomes, ‘We’re uncomfortable,’ then rights become conditional. And conditional rigths are’nt rights at all. […] The question is not whether I make people uncomfortable, the question is whether the institutions respect the rule of law when it is convenient and inconvenient.”
Convicted Of Heinous Crime
Back in 2021, the California man pleaded no contest to possession of child pornography, a misdemeanor. He served two years’ probation and registered as an offender. Eight years later, he is now running for city council in Fresno’s District 7 race.
When asked whether his proximity to the school was illegal, Campos responded, as per the Fresno Bee, “I would say, during operational hours, absolutely. I believe they are closed right now. I don’t see anyone.”
At the time of his press conference, school was still in session, as school hours last from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the school offering an “expanded learning program” until 6 p.m. Reportedly, the press conference took place at 3:45 p.m.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the event took place after Fresno City Council members announced plans to introduce legislation barring registered offenders from serving on the council.
Shocked users reacted to the details of Campos’ life and his intention to run for city council. One user wrote, “That’s what nightmares are made of.” Another one said, “Good for the school. Keep kids safe.” A third one added, “How dare the media even show up!“
School Releases Statement, Police Report Filed
In a statement shared days after the press conference, the Big Picture Educational Academy leaders condemned the incident, calling it “deeply troubling.”
“To use an elementary school full of children as a backdrop for a campaign event, knowing full well that his presence may be unlawful, is highly inappropriate and offensive,” the statement read. “Let us be unequivocally clear: our students and our schools are not props. They are not symbols. They will not be used as pawns to manipulate the public or advance anyone’s political agenda, under any circumstances.”
As reported by the Desert Sun, the California elementary school has since filed a police report against Campos.
