The National Association of Hispanic Journalists on Friday condemned the arrest of three CNN journalists during public protests in Minneapolis.
Army veteran and CNN photojournalist Leonel Mendez was taken into police custody on live TV along with the network’s correspondent Omar Jimenez and producer Bill Kirkos while covering police action during protests and rioting in the Twin Cities. It was unclear if police immediately offered a reason for the arrests.
“Police told the crew the detainment occurred because they were told to move and did not comply,” NAHJ wrote in a statement. “However, in the video which continued to capture the exchange, viewers can see and hear Jimenez identifying himself as a reporter, showing his press badge, and telling the officers – the crew would move wherever the officers directed.”
Some of the protesters turned violent, breaking the windows of businesses and looting goods. A group of protesters took over the 3rd precinct police station Thursday and set it ablaze after officers and staff abandoned the building, according to Minneapolis Police. Amateur video shows protesters pelting squad cars with debris as police personnel exited the property.
Civil unrest erupted across the country over the death of George Floyd, 46, who died in police custody Monday. Floyd was arrested after police responded to a call reporting a “forgery in progress” and approached Floyd while he sat in his car. He was ordered to exit the vehicle and reportedly physically resisted officers, the Minneapolis Police Department claimed. Surveillance video shows the arrest and ends with Floyd on the ground in handcuffs with Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on his neck for several minutes.
Chauvin was fired shortly after the incident and taken into custody Friday and charged with murder, according to a complaint filed with the Hennepin County 4th District Court.
On Tuesday, it was announced the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension would join the investigation.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig on Thursday called the death of George Floyd “Murder,” WDIV Detroit reported.
Author: Jared Morgan
Jared is the senior editor and web team lead for the Department of California and chair of its Media & Communications Commission. He became a member of the American Legion in 2014 when he joined Palisades Post 283 to find stories about veterans issues for a local newspaper while working as its news editor. He was soon brought in as 283's assistant adjutant and historian to help produce the post's award-winning community newspaper. Since then, Jared has used his media skills to help further the efforts of The American Legion in its advocacy of veterans and their families. Jared has also worked for several years to help revitalize the 100-year-old Santa Monica Post 123, formerly as its adjutant and as a member of its executive board, before transferring back to Post 283.
