Journalists in Minneapolis accuse police of harassing reporters despite federal restraining order

Recently, some journalists covering the riots in Minnesota over a police shooting in Minneapolis have verbalized accusations of officers harassing reporters despite a federal order to leave them alone.

The U.S. District Judge Wilhelma Wright issued a temporary restraining order on Friday disallowing police at protests in Brooklyn Center from arresting journalists or using force against them unless they know the person has committed a crime. This order also restrains police from forcing reporters to disperse along with the crowd and from laying hands on their reporting equipment. Although, some journalists in Minneapolis are still alleging police harassment at these protests.

These protests began after a Brooklyn Center Police Officer, Kim Potter, accidentally shot a 20-year old black man, Daunte Wright, who was resisting arrest during a traffic stop after being pulled over because he was wanted for aggravated robbery. Soon afterwards, the police chief said Potter meant to use her taser instead of drawing her pistol. After receiving a large amount of criticism and hate online from BLM supporters and the community, the police chief, along with Potter, resigned. In addition, Potter was charged with second-degree manslaughter. Protestors have assembled outside the Brooklyn Center Police station every night since the shooting. It is extremely common that rioters throw water bottles, rocks and other objects at officers behind a protective fence [US News].

The police officers have responded with tear gas and other tactics when deemed necessary. Their infrequent methods have received criticism from the Brooklyn Center Mayor, Mike Elliot, and other people in elected positions in the surrounding cities. Several journalists have used their platforms to release photos and videos from the protests showing police checking their credentials. In addition, one of the spokespeople for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Scott Wasserman, said 136 people were arrested during Friday night’s protests; however, none of them were journalists [ABC].

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ARTICLE: ABBY CUCHIARA

POLITICS EDITOR: CARSON CHOATE 

PHOTO CREDITS: LA CROSSE TRIBUNE

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