Police arrest CNN reporter on air while covering Minneapolis protests

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 29 May 2020

A CNN reporter was arrested live on air while covering the Minneapolis protests. Omar Jiminez and three crew members were taken into custody by the Minnesota State Patrol.

Summary

WASHINGTON- The Minnesota State Patrol arrested a CNN reporter reporting live on television early Friday morning while covering the Minneapolis protests, without giving any reason, and led him and three crew members away in handcuffs.

Black reporter Omar Jiminez had just shown a protester being arrested when about half a dozen white police officers surrounded him.

“We can move back to where you like,” he told the officers wearing gas masks and face shields, before explaining that he and his crew were members of the press. “We’re getting out of your way.” - Reuters

KEY POINTS:

• Omar Jiminez was arrested without explanation during a live broadcast.
• The arrest occurred amid ongoing protests in Minneapolis.
• Approximately six police officers surrounded the reporter during the incident.
• Jiminez identified himself as a member of the press before being detained.
• The incident raises concerns about media freedoms during protests.