The following is an FBI audio recording from PANDEMONIUM taskforce Operation LIVEWIRE, in which undercover operatives successfully infiltrated a group of students at Gotham University responsible for the organization of mass protests and resulting massacre on September 1st, 2030. This pre-recorded broadcast was given over video streaming to all public access terminals on the University Campus and coincided with the official news coverage of the ceremonies of interment for Christopher Holden and Natalie Hendricks. Governor Stephanie Miller and Interim Mayor/Police Commissioner James Gordon presided.
As of this moment, television coverage will have started, and I will find myself a part of those gathered to mourn not only two inspirational journalists or an exceptional employer but two of my dearest friends. But I find it necessary to clarify it is in commemoration of these lives and NOT in support of the state sanctioned ceremonies that make a mockery of these recent tragedies.
Christopher Holden chose death in a heinous manner at the hands of the man called the Joker rather than submit to his whims so that we would know this city stands strong. Gotham is ours, for and by the people, and no mad man or corrupt government has the power to take that away. Natalie Hendricks died to bring you coverage of the August 30th riots so you would know what happened to these brave young men and women and who is to blame for the atrocities of their deaths. She was shot and killed not as the state now claims by Joker fans, but from behind by the bullet of a National Guard issued gun.
And another man, not as recognized but no less great, Paul Binkowski. He lived and died behind a camera so all of Gotham might see. He was a hard worker, honest, and loyal, and although he was unknown he will never be forgotten.
These three, and the many students who died that night, died in service to this City, and to this country. They were heroes, they were patriots, and their efforts should never be ignored or censored for the sake of making the public feel safe. You deserve to know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth surrounding this night, and anything less deserves to be called a lie. "It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it."
These are the words of a true patriot, Patrick Henry, a man who fought against the oppression of a tyranny that limited freedoms of speech, of thought, and of press. But that same tyranny now presides over the funerals of three brave, wonderful people who fought and died to preserve those same freedoms for you.
My fellow Gothamites and Americans, I ask only that your cry be like theirs, that you demand of yourselves, your neighbors, your news corporations and your government the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth with the promise of liberty-both of yourselves and of your press-or death.
May God bless Gotham. God bless us all.
Note: The narration of this audio file has been positively identified as the voice of former TV 18 employee Rebecca James. Miss James has been taken into custody under statues of emergency military jurisdiction with charges of sedition, incitement to violence, and public dispersal of classified information.
Additional Note: Miss James was subsequently released after national public outcry and threat of more popular uprisings against the continued military presence and suppressions of freedoms of speech and press in Gotham City. President Calderon's direct involvement can neither be confirmed nor denied.
Final Note: The recovering Wayne Legacy Foundation has purchased a controlling share in TV 18 Industries. As of this writing, the Foundation has expressed its intent of establishing the Tanaka, Binkowski, Hendricks and Holden Academic Scholarships for deserving high school graduates of low-income families interested in pursuing a degree in journalism.
Miss James has petitioned courts for temporary legal guardianship status of one Gracie Tanaka, alleged niece of TV 18's Good Morning Gotham reporter, the late Trisha Tanaka. The child's family went missing Monday, August 19th in the Legacy attack but have yet to be located or declared legally dead by state authorities.
I am deeply interested in the progress and elevation of journalism, having spent my life in that profession, regarding it as a noble profession and one of unequaled importance for its influence upon the minds and morals of the the people—Joseph Pulitzer
Next Chapter: A midnight walk for a GSU professor turns deadly.