World News
Minnesota Police arrest Black CNN Reporter covering riots
A CNN reporter was arrested by Minessota police as he was covering the riots despite identifying himself.
Omar Jimenez was arrested and taken into custody in handcuffs while he was live on air early on Friday along with his cameraman and producer.
They were released without charge.
Minnesota governor Tim Walz has apologised, describing the incident as “unacceptable”.
CNN said the arrests violated the constitution.
Why the arrest?
Jimenez was in Minneapolis, reporting the 3rd night of violent protests over the death of George Floyd.
Mr Jimenez was reporting live on an arrest happening in the area where a police station was burnt out.
After the crew caught the arrest on camera, police officers started moving towards them and instructed them to move.
On the video, Mr Jimenez identifies himself as a CNN journalist and can be heard telling the officers: “We can move back to where you’d like here. We are live on the air at the moment.”
An officer in riot gear then says, “You are under arrest” and led him away in handcuffs.
Reactions:
CNN described the arrests as: “a clear violation of their First Amendment rights” in a tweet.
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
Arrest Video Below:
