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Police in USA arrests black CNN correspondent live on air as he covered #BlackLivesMatter protest after killing of George Floyd
News Channel CNN’s correspondent Omar Jimenez was arrested by police while reporting live on air, covering the protests over the killing of George Floyd. Floyd, a Black American died after a police officer strangulated him by pushing his knee over the man’s neck.
The video was caught on camera and has created a uproar, and violent protests against police brutality.
Protestors took to the streets demanding action and holding banners that say #BlackLivesMatter, a movement against systemic discrimination and marginalisation of Black Americans.
News Channel CNN’s correspondent Omar Jimenez had just shown a protester being arrested when about half a dozen white police officers surrounded him. Jiminez is also a Black American.
Jiminez told the Minnesota State Patrol officers that his team were willing to move back, before explaining that he and his crew were members of the press, adding: “We’re getting out of your way.”
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
In the video, the journalist can be seen being 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.
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
Apparently not realising 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.”
Jimenez was released shortly afterwards and told viewers he believed his crew had been targeted after a protester had run past and been detained. He was quoted by The Independent as saying, “after that protester was apprehended the police turned towards us.”
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