Minnesota governor 'deeply apologizes' to CNN president after network crew arrested

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) on Friday apologized to CNN President Jeff Zucker after reporter Omar Jimenez and his camera crew were arrested in Minneapolis, with the governor promising a prompt release of the news organization's employees.

CNN anchor John Berman reported the conversation on "New Day" about one hour after the arrest, sharing that Walz "deeply apologizes" and was working to have the crew released immediately.

The crew was later released.

Berman also said that Walz described the arrests as “unacceptable” in his conversation with Zucker.

The arrests by Minnesota state police occurred shortly after 6 a.m. EDT on Friday, during a live report on the network's morning program "New Day."

"You're under arrest," one officer said in the middle of Jimenez's report.

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

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.

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 arrest came as protests continued to erupt across the Twin Cities on Thursday night following the police killing of George Floyd earlier this week.