A CNN reporter was arrested live on air while covering the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis
by Brianna Moné- A CNN reporter was arrested live on air while covering protests in Minneapolis, Minnesota, over the death of George Floyd.
- Omar Jimenez was filmed being handcuffed and led away by three Minnesota State Patrol officers at 5:11 a.m. local time.
- The producer and a camera operator were handcuffed and taken away, according to the network. The cameras kept rolling and the footage was broadcast.
- Jimenez is black. Another CNN reporter on the scene, who is white, said he was met with no police resistance during his reporting.
- CNN said in a Friday statement that Jimenez and his team had identified themselves as journalists before their arrest, and called on Minnesota authorities to release them.
- Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.
A CNN reporter was arrested live on air early Friday morning as he broadcast footage from protests against the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Omar Jimenez, who is black, was cuffed and led away by Minnesota State Patrol at 5:11 a.m. local time.
In the minutes leading up to the arrest, Jimenez was heard asking state police where they wanted him and his CNN “New Day” camera crew to stand, and offered to move back.
“Put us back where you want us. We are getting out your way,” Jimenez said. “We are live on the air at the moment.”
Jimenez then began to describe the scene, but stopped as two police offers cuffed him and told him he was under arrest.
The live feed continued, and the CNN producer and a camera operator were placed in handcuffs and led away.
The camera was placed on the floor and continued to transmit video, which CNN broadcast. You can watch a video of it here.
Another CNN reporter on the scene, Josh Campbell, told the network he had met no police resistance while covering the protests. Campbell is white.
“You, Josh Campbell, are white. Omar Jimenez is not,” said “New Day” anchor John Berman.
CNN said in a Friday morning statement that Jimenez and his crew had identified themselves as journalists before they were arrested, and called on their release immediately.
“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 network said. “The authorities in Minnesota, incl. the Governor, must release the 3 CNN employees immediately.