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A CNN reporter and crew have been arrested live on air while covering the Minneapolis protests over the killing of George Floyd.
Black correspondent Omar Jimenez had just shown a protester being arrested when about half a dozen white police officers surrounded him.
Mr. Jiminez told the Minnesota State Patrol officers: “We can move back to where you like”, before explaining that he and his crew were members of the press, adding: “We’re getting out of your way.”
Nevertheless, the journalist was handcuffed and led away. Jimenez asked why he was being arrested but received no answer. Several minutes later, as their camera was still filming, the other members of his CNN team, who are white, were also arrested.
Minnesota police arrest CNN reporter and camera crew as they report from protests in Minneapolis https://t.co/IY0H1Lc77E pic.twitter.com/s9XmwVfabP
— New Day (@NewDay) May 29, 2020
Apparently not realizing that the camera was still broadcasting live, police removed it.
CNN tweeted: “CNN reporter & his production team were arrested this morning in Minneapolis for doing their jobs, despite identifying themselves — a clear violation of their First Amendment rights.
“The authorities in Minnesota, incl. the governor must release the 3 CNN employees immediately.”
A CNN reporter & his production team were arrested this morning in Minneapolis for doing their jobs, despite identifying themselves – a clear violation of their First Amendment rights. The authorities in Minnesota, incl. the Governor, must release the 3 CNN employees immediately.
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) May 29, 2020
Jimenez was released shortly afterward and told viewers he believed his crew had been targeted after a protester had run past and been detained. He said: “After that protester was apprehended the police turned towards us.”
He said that officers had been “pretty cordial” towards him and his crew following the initial confrontation.
CNN presenters noted that another of their correspondents, Josh Campbell – who is white – was reporting near by but was not arrested.
It comes after Thursday marked the third night of arson, looting and vandalism in Minnesota over the death of a black man, George Floyd, seen on video gasping for breath while a white police officer knelt on his neck.
