Describing video footage as “disturbing,” the Los Angeles chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists called Sunday for journalists to prioritize safety while reporting in the field about the immigration protests in the Los Angeles area, and for protesters and law enforcement to respect the role of the press.
“Over the weekend, disturbing footage and reports have shown journalists being harassed and physically confronted by protesters,” SPJ/LA stated. “Equipment, including news trucks, were also damaged or destroyed. SPJ/LA reaffirms the essential role journalists play in documenting these moments of public unrest as they work to inform the public with accurate information.” KTLA5 Video from the scene showed one of their news vans vandalized.
The statement went on with a message to the people doing the harassing: “Any form of violence against members of the press is a direct attack on the First Amendment. Journalists must be allowed to report without fear of intimidation, violence or interference.”
SPJ/LA said it stands in support of journalists who are at risk while doing their jobs. “We call on all members of the public, demonstrators and law enforcement to respect the role of the press and ensure that journalists can do their jobs without threat or harm.”