CNN reporter, crew arrested on live TV

by

Minnesota state police on Friday arrested CNN reporter Omar Jimenez and his camera crew during a live report on the network's morning program "New Day."

The incident prompted immediate criticism and questions about why Jimenez and the crew faced arrest, especially as other crews from CNN and other networks were not arrested. Jimenez is black and Hispanic.

The CNN crew were released about an hour later after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) got involved. Walz also reportedly apologized over the incident. 

The arrest itself was captured on camera and broadcast live by CNN, which had sent reporters to cover protests in the city in response to the police killing of George Floyd, an unarmed African American man.

"You're under arrest," one officer said in the middle of the report on the protests that have erupted in Minneapolis.

"OK, do you mind telling me why I'm under arrest? Why am I under arrest, sir?” Jimenez responded.

At that point another member of the CNN crew could be heard speaking off camera.

"You're arresting him live on CNN. We told you before we're with CNN," the crew member stated as footage of the arrest rolled.