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[
{
"title": "Reporter arrested for shouting questions at Trump cabinet official",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/reporter-dan-heyman-arrested-shouting-questions-hhs-secretary/",
"first_published_at": "2017-05-18T06:14:28.159430Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-04-17T15:42:49.144529Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-04-17T15:42:48.989900Z",
"date": "2017-05-09",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Charleston",
"longitude": -81.63262,
"latitude": 38.34982,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"4o73a\">Public News Service radio journalist Dan Heyman was <a href=\"https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/politics/press-agency-condemns-arrest-of-journalist-at-wv-capitol/article_8327fc69-2dd3-5d7c-a1da-380aa75e3b69.html\">arrested</a> in the West Virginia Capitol building on May 9, 2017, while <a href=\"https://www.dailydot.com/debug/reporter-arrested-kellyanne-conway-tom-price/\">attempting to interview</a> Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price.</p><p data-block-key=\"ieczu\"><a href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2017/05/16/i-was-arrested-for-asking-tom-price-a-question-i-was-just-doing-my-job/\">Video footage</a> of the incident shows two police officers holding Heyman and escorting him to a police office in the capitol building. Heyman was released on a $5,000 bail about four hours after being arrested.</p><p data-block-key=\"3hc4x\">Heyman was <a href=\"https://www.corporatecrimereporter.com/news/200/daniel-heyman-getting-arrested-asking-question/\">charged</a> with “willful disruption of governmental processes,” a misdemeanor. The <a href=\"https://twitter.com/jake_zuckerman/status/862081963242532864\">criminal complaint</a> against him accused him of “causing a disturbance by yelling questions at Ms. Conway and Secretary Price.”</p><p data-block-key=\"1gyuh\">Heyman appeared at a court hearing on Aug. 29.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "All charges against reporter Dan Heyman were dropped on September 6, 2017",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTX339IH.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880_dsHmyqx.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"fpt1b\">Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price testifies on Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Blueprint before the Committee on Appropriations at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 29, 2017.</p>",
"arresting_authority": "West Virginia Capitol Police",
"arrest_status": "arrested and released",
"release_date": null,
"detention_date": null,
"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
"case_number": null,
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"denial_of_entry": false,
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"assailant": null,
"was_journalist_targeted": null,
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
"subpoena_type": null,
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"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
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"state": {
"name": "West Virginia",
"abbreviation": "WV"
},
"updates": [
"(2017-09-06 15:12:00+00:00) Charges dropped against Heyman"
],
"case_statuses": [],
"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [],
"tags": [],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Arrest/Criminal Charge"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Dan Heyman (Public News Service)"
],
"subpoena_statuses": [],
"type_of_denial": []
},
{
"title": "South Dakota state prosecutor subpoenas journalist",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/south-dakota-state-prosecutor-subpoenas-journalist/",
"first_published_at": "2017-07-31T06:10:57.134498Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-03-20T18:56:44.519704Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-03-20T18:56:44.396502Z",
"date": "2017-05-08",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Sioux Falls",
"longitude": -96.70033,
"latitude": 43.54997,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"cgs76\">Dana Ferguson, a reporter with Argus Leader Media, a South Dakota news outlet that forms part of the USAToday network, received a subpoena on May 8, 2017. The subpoena from the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office <a href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/05/13/state-prosecutor-orders-reporter-testify-flandreau-marijuana-case/320248001/\">ordered the reporter to testify</a> in a criminal trial of an individual who allegedly helped the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in an aborted attempt to open a recreational marijuana resort. On May 15, prosecutors <a href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/05/15/ag-drops-subpoena-argus-leader-reporter/323786001/\">withdrew</a> the subpoena, according to <a href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/05/15/ag-drops-subpoena-argus-leader-reporter/323786001/\">USA Today</a>. </p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/Marijuana_qLGBtWQ.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"hfcel\">A cannabis plant. The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe attempted to set up a marijuana resort in Flandreau, South Dakota but later suspended the project in the wake of legal pressure.</p>",
"arresting_authority": null,
"arrest_status": null,
"release_date": null,
"detention_date": null,
"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
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"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
"subpoena_type": "other testimony",
"name_of_business": null,
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"legal_order_venue": "State",
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"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
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"state": {
"name": "South Dakota",
"abbreviation": "SD"
},
"updates": [],
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"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [],
"tags": [],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
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"categories": [
"Subpoena/Legal Order"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Dana Ferguson (Argus Leader Media)"
],
"subpoena_statuses": [
"dropped"
],
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},
{
"title": "Puerto Rico Department of Justice executes search warrant against three student media outlets",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/puerto-rico-department-justice-executes-search-warrant-against-three-student-media-outlets/",
"first_published_at": "2019-10-23T17:42:58.819197Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-04-15T14:51:48.127374Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-04-15T14:51:48.005982Z",
"date": "2017-05-05",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "San Juan",
"longitude": null,
"latitude": null,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"qe80k\">The Puerto Rico Department of Justice issued a <a href=\"https://www.scribd.com/document/429548476/Search-Warrant-Against-University-Media-Outlets-in-Puerto-Rico#fullscreen&from_embed\">search warrant</a> for the Facebook accounts of three university publications on May 5, 2017, seeking information about student protesters who had rallied that April against austerity cuts at a meeting of the University of Puerto Rico's governing board.</p><p data-block-key=\"0xs5h\">Seven of those students will go on <a href=\"https://www.metro.pr/pr/noticias/2019/10/11/cuestionaran-validez-la-orden-allanamiento.html\">trial</a> this November for interrupting the meeting. That interruption was part of a lengthy <a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/25/us/puerto-ricos-university-is-paralyzed-by-protests-and-facing-huge-cuts.html\">student-led protest movement</a> against austerity cuts that effectively shut down the majority of the university’s eleven campuses for several months in the spring of 2017.</p><p data-block-key=\"lag0p\">Superior Court Judge Rafael E. Jimenez-Rivera signed off on the search warrant, which requested Facebook data covering the period between April 26-28, 2017, from three student publications: Pulso Estudiantil, UPR Dialogue, and Centro de Comunicación Estudiantil.</p><p data-block-key=\"8sozm\">Facebook provided some 1,553 pages of information from Pulso Estudiantil's Facebook account to the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, including private messages, photos, videos, comments and the names of those who commented on the account’s posts. Facebook provided another 1,500 pages from the account of Centro de Comunicación Estudiantil, <a href=\"https://www.metro.pr/pr/noticias/2019/10/11/repudian-intervencion-redes-sociales-pide-desestimar-cargos-estudiantes.html\">according</a> to a statement from CCE spokesman Gabriel Casals published by Metro Puerto Rico. Casals went on to demand that the charges against the student protesters be dropped.</p><p data-block-key=\"89ejx\">The terms of the search warrant prevented Facebook from notifying the impacted parties for 90 days. Neither Facebook nor the Department of Justice notified the student media outlets about the search warrant after that period expired, <a href=\"https://www.pulsoestudiantil.com/justicia-interviene-con-cuenta-de-pulso-estudiantil-en-redes-sociales/\">according</a> to a report from Pulso Estudiantil. Facebook’s policies require such notification, NoticEl <a href=\"https://www.noticel.com/hack/facebook-fallo-en-su-manejo-de-la-orden-de-justicia-contra-medios-estudiantiles/1131078560\">reported</a>, citing an attorney from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and so this constitutes a lapse on the part of the social networking site.</p><p data-block-key=\"0crco\">Editors at Pulso Estudiantil only learned of the search warrant on Sept. 27, 2019, when a staffer for Denis Márquez Lebrón, a member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, contacted them via Facebook about the matter. Lawyers representing the seven students on trial had uncovered the documents in the course of the discovery process, Marisol Nazario, executive director of Pulso Estudiantil, told the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker.</p><p data-block-key=\"u0jgl\">"We consider this to be a violation of our freedom of the press and our privacy," Nazario said. “If this happened to us, this could happen to any news outlet in Puerto Rico.”</p><p data-block-key=\"ki3ks\">At the time the search warrant was issued, now-Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced was then Puerto Rico’s Secretary of Justice. When asked about the warrant at a press conference in October, Vázquez Garced said the warrant was issued properly as part of a criminal investigation, El Nuevo Dia <a href=\"https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/locales/nota/wandavazquezdefiendelaordenderegistroaorganizacionesdeprensa-2522592/\">reported</a>.</p><p data-block-key=\"enqjw\">A lawyer representing one of the seven students on trial for interrupting the university board meeting plans to challenge the legality of the search warrant, Metro Puerto Rico <a href=\"https://www.metro.pr/pr/noticias/2019/10/11/cuestionaran-validez-la-orden-allanamiento.html\">reported</a>.</p><p data-block-key=\"gl53f\">Márquez Lebrón introduced a<a href=\"http://www.tucamarapr.org/dnncamara/Documents/Measures/98d28497-2dee-47fa-b06e-5eab97de9f39.pdf\"> House resolution</a> on Sept. 19, 2019, calling for the body to investigate the matter and weigh in on whether the search warrant was constitutional.</p><p data-block-key=\"i1lkt\">"The House of Representatives must conduct an investigation in order to assess whether public security agencies are complying with the requirements established in the Constitution of Puerto Rico when accessing electronically stored information," the resolution says.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTX356BB.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"fegix\">University of Puerto Rico students protest budget cuts in the spring of 2017. In May, the Department of Justice issued warrants for three student publications' Facebook accounts seeking information on student protesters.</p>",
"arresting_authority": null,
"arrest_status": null,
"release_date": null,
"detention_date": null,
"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
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"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": false,
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"assailant": null,
"was_journalist_targeted": null,
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
"subpoena_type": null,
"name_of_business": "Facebook",
"third_party_business": "tech company",
"legal_order_venue": "Federal",
"status_of_prior_restraint": null,
"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
"links": [],
"equipment_seized": [],
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"state": {
"name": "Puerto Rico",
"abbreviation": "PR"
},
"updates": [],
"case_statuses": [],
"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [
"Centro de Comunicación Estudiantil",
"[University of Puerto Rico] Diálogo",
"[University of Puerto Rico] Pulso Estudiantil"
],
"tags": [
"student journalism"
],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Subpoena/Legal Order"
],
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"subpoena_statuses": [],
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},
{
"title": "Alaska state senator slaps journalist",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/alaska-state-senator-slaps-journalist/",
"first_published_at": "2017-05-18T07:12:00.350939Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-04-17T15:43:33.463302Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-04-17T15:43:33.171650Z",
"date": "2017-05-02",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Juneau",
"longitude": -134.41972,
"latitude": 58.30194,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"o54we\">Alaska Dispatch News journalist Nathaniel Herz was slapped by Alaska state senator David Wilson on the main stairs of the Alaska Capitol in Juneau on May 2, 2017. </p><p data-block-key=\"kgo5h\">Herz reports that he had approached Wilson to get his reaction to a recent report he had published on Wilson’s new bill. After a brief, awkward exchange, Wilson <a href=\"https://www.adn.com/politics/alaska-legislature/2017/05/03/alaska-dispatch-news-reporter-says-he-was-slapped-by-wasilla-lawmaker/\">slapped</a> Herz in the face. Herz recorded the entire incident.</p><p data-block-key=\"0sq5q\">Herz filed a police report after the incident, but no charges were filed against Wilson.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/800px-Alaska_State_Capitol.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
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"image_caption": "",
"arresting_authority": null,
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"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
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"is_search_warrant_obtained": false,
"actor": null,
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"assailant": "politician",
"was_journalist_targeted": "yes",
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
"subpoena_type": null,
"name_of_business": null,
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"links": [],
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"state": {
"name": "Alaska",
"abbreviation": "AK"
},
"updates": [],
"case_statuses": [],
"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [],
"tags": [],
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"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Assault"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Nathaniel Herz (Alaska Dispatch News)"
],
"subpoena_statuses": [],
"type_of_denial": []
},
{
"title": "Photojournalist charged at by man with ax while covering eviction",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/photojournalist-charged-at-by-man-with-ax-while-covering-eviction/",
"first_published_at": "2022-06-13T16:48:19.078194Z",
"last_published_at": "2023-12-21T22:17:04.670995Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2023-12-21T22:17:04.476808Z",
"date": "2017-04-26",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Mount Juliet",
"longitude": -86.51861,
"latitude": 36.20005,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"apxvd\">Photojournalist Bob Stinnett of NewsChannel 5 was assaulted on April 26, 2017, while reporting on an individual living in a vacant home in Mount Juliet, Tennessee.</p><p data-block-key=\"19kk3\">According to <a href=\"https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/squatter-who-charged-news-crew-with-an-axe-must-leave-home\">NewsChannel 5</a>, Stinnett and reporter Ben Hall were investigating claims that the individual, Jude Pischke, had been living in an unoccupied house in a suburban Nashville neighborhood for more than two years despite not having any legal claims to the property. Hall, whose assault was documented <a href=\"/all-incidents/tv-reporter-charged-at-by-man-with-ax-while-covering-eviction/\">here</a>, confirmed to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker that Stinnett was with him at the time of the incident.</p><p data-block-key=\"5a83j\">Video taken by Stinnett of the incident shows Hall approaching Pischke and questioning him about the house. Pischke demands that the reporter and news crew leave, then retrieves an ax from the bed of a pickup truck and charges toward the reporter.</p><p data-block-key=\"1hue2\">As Stinnett and Hall back away from Pischke, Hall can be heard saying, “We’re backing up. We’re leaving right now,” as Pischke swung the ax toward the news crew’s feet.</p><p data-block-key=\"cu0cv\">The <a href=\"https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/wilson/mt-juliet/2017/04/30/man-arrested-mt-juliet-charging-channel-5-crew-ax/101136858/\">Tennessean reported</a> that as the news crew rushed to leave, Pischke got into his vehicle and drove aggressively toward them. Police officers issued an arrest warrant for Pischke, and he was detained during a traffic stop later that same day. Pischke was charged with three counts of aggravated assault and three counts of reckless endangerment for assaulting the news crew.</p><p data-block-key=\"2aqk1\">The Tracker filed a public records request for the incident report with the Mt. Juliet Police Department, which was unfulfilled as of publication.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
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"assailant": "private individual",
"was_journalist_targeted": "yes",
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"state": {
"name": "Tennessee",
"abbreviation": "TN"
},
"updates": [
"(2017-05-22 00:00:00+00:00) Charges dropped against man who brandished an ax at WTVF photojournalist"
],
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"categories": [
"Assault"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Bob Stinnett (WTVF)"
],
"subpoena_statuses": [],
"type_of_denial": []
},
{
"title": "Tennessee man threatens three journalists with ax; charges later dropped",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/tennessee-man-threatens-three-journalists-with-ax-charges-later-dropped/",
"first_published_at": "2023-12-21T22:11:51.511263Z",
"last_published_at": "2023-12-21T22:11:51.511263Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2023-12-21T22:07:27.159787Z",
"date": "2017-04-26",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Mount Juliet",
"longitude": -86.51861,
"latitude": 36.20005,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"u3mg9\">Three WTVF journalists were threatened with an ax on April 26, 2017, while trying to interview a man living in a vacant home in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Charges against the man for assault and reckless endangerment were dropped a month later.</p><p data-block-key=\"48cc3\">According to a police incident report, producer Kevin Wisniewski, photojournalist <a href=\"https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/photojournalist-charged-at-by-man-with-ax-while-covering-eviction/\">Bob Stinnett</a> and reporter <a href=\"https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/tv-reporter-charged-at-by-man-with-ax-while-covering-eviction/\">Ben Hall</a> visited the Nashville suburb to <a href=\"https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/squatter-who-charged-news-crew-with-an-axe-must-leave-home\">investigate claims</a> that Jude Pischke had been living in an unoccupied house there for more than two years despite having no legal claims to the property.</p><p data-block-key=\"3k05m\"><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keqIPNyJLM0\">Video</a> taken by Stinnett of the incident shows Hall approaching Pischke to question him about the house. Pischke demands that the news crew leave, then retrieves an ax from the bed of a pickup truck and charges toward them, swinging the ax.</p><p data-block-key=\"b1kn2\">As the crew backs away from Pischke, Hall can be heard saying, “We’re backing up. We’re leaving right now.” The Tennessean newspaper <a href=\"https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/wilson/mt-juliet/2017/04/30/man-arrested-mt-juliet-charging-channel-5-crew-ax/101136858/\">reported</a> that Pischke then got into a vehicle and drove aggressively toward them.</p><p data-block-key=\"bmhs2\">Police officers arrested Pischke during a traffic stop later that day and charged him with three counts of aggravated assault and three counts of reckless endangerment against Wisniewski, Stinnett and Hall, according to the incident report.</p><p data-block-key=\"4erg0\">The prosecutor declined to pursue the charges as of May 22, 2017, the Wilson County Clerk told the Tracker, and the case against Pischke was closed.</p><p data-block-key=\"ppfu\">WTNV <a href=\"https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/squatter-who-charged-news-crew-with-an-axe-must-leave-home\">reported</a> that prosecutors struck a deal with Pischke, requiring him to move out within two weeks from the house where the confrontation took place.</p></div>",
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},
{
"title": "TV reporter charged at by man with ax while covering eviction",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/tv-reporter-charged-at-by-man-with-ax-while-covering-eviction/",
"first_published_at": "2022-06-13T16:44:33.273288Z",
"last_published_at": "2023-12-21T22:16:37.666962Z",
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"date": "2017-04-26",
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"city": "Mount Juliet",
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"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"opy55\">Reporter Ben Hall of NewsChannel 5 was assaulted on April 26, 2017, while reporting on an individual living in a vacant home in Mount Juliet, Tennessee.</p><p data-block-key=\"6g63i\">According to <a href=\"https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/squatter-who-charged-news-crew-with-an-axe-must-leave-home\">NewsChannel 5</a>, Hall was investigating claims that the individual, Jude Pischke, had been living in an unoccupied house in a suburban Nashville neighborhood for more than two years despite not having any legal claims to the property. Hall confirmed to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker that photojournalist <a href=\"/all-incidents/photojournalist-charged-at-by-man-with-ax-while-covering-eviction/\">Bob Stinnett</a> was with him at the time of the incident.</p><p data-block-key=\"7q031\">Video of the incident shows Hall approaching Pischke and questioning him about the house. Pischke demands that the reporter and news crew leave, then retrieves an ax from the bed of a pickup truck and charges toward the reporter.</p><p data-block-key=\"6am80\">As Hall and Stinnett back away from Pischke, Hall can be heard saying, “We’re backing up. We’re leaving right now,” as Pischke swung the ax toward the news crew’s feet.</p><p data-block-key=\"e9hkh\">The <a href=\"https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/wilson/mt-juliet/2017/04/30/man-arrested-mt-juliet-charging-channel-5-crew-ax/101136858/\">Tennessean reported</a> that as the news crew rushed to leave, Pischke got into his vehicle and drove aggressively toward them. Police officers issued an arrest warrant for Pischke, and he was detained during a traffic stop later that same day. Pischke was charged with three counts of aggravated assault and three counts of reckless endangerment for assaulting the news crew.</p><p data-block-key=\"5r8ct\">The Tracker filed a public records request for the incident report with the Mt. Juliet Police Department, which was unfulfilled as of publication.</p></div>",
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"(2017-05-22 00:00:00+00:00) Charges dropped against man who brandished an ax at WTVF reporter"
],
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{
"title": "Appeals court says that hearing in murder case can be secret",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/appeals-court-says-hearing-murder-case-can-be-secret/",
"first_published_at": "2017-08-02T06:32:01.411493Z",
"last_published_at": "2023-12-21T21:02:49.211826Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2023-12-21T21:02:49.078066Z",
"date": "2017-04-26",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Miami",
"longitude": -80.19366,
"latitude": 25.77427,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"rip0n\">The Third District Court of Appeal in Florida ruled on April 26, 2017, that a pre-trial hearing in a Florida murder case can be held in secret, siding with a Miami-Dade Circuit Judge’s ruling to close a bond hearing for two defendants, citing “pervasive publicity” as a threat to their right to fair trial. </p><p data-block-key=\"kytpb\">Miami Herald and WPLG-ABC10 opposed the closure and, in a brief filed to the Third DCA, <a href=\"https://www.cjr.org/united_states_project/miami-murder-press-freedom.php\">argued</a>: “That hearings of such magnitude and public importance should be held in secret and outside the presence of the public is unconstitutional.”</p><p data-block-key=\"kvi6x\">The appellate court affirmed “evidence of extensive local, national and international print and broadcast media coverage of the instant case,” which jeopardized the defendants’ right to a fair trial.</p><p data-block-key=\"rgi70\">“The speed of dissemination and the high percentage of likely jurors with access to social media and the internet also support the trial judge’s concern,” the opinion states. “The Closure Order is a temporary ruling subject to reconsideration as to subsequent hearings and the trial itself. Following our review of the petitioners’ requests, the records themselves, and the trial court’s analysis, we find no departure from the essential requirements of law.”</p><p data-block-key=\"89nav\">Scott Ponce, a lawyer for the Miami Herald, said, “The courtroom belongs to the public, and it’s difficult to accept that the public is being kicked out of a hearing during which the judge will consider whether two people indicted for first-degree murder should be released into public pending trial.”</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
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"state": {
"name": "Florida",
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"Denial of Access"
],
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"Other"
]
},
{
"title": "Attorney General has repeatedly refused to rule out prosecuting or jailing journalists",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/attorney-general-refuses-rule-out-prosecuting-media-organizations/",
"first_published_at": "2017-08-02T02:45:44.593853Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-03-20T18:47:08.188945Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-03-20T18:47:08.074894Z",
"date": "2017-04-21",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Washington",
"longitude": -77.03637,
"latitude": 38.89511,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"pcelx\">After the Justice Department indicated it planned on pursuing WikiLeaks and its publisher with criminal charges, Attorney General Jeff Sessions <a href=\"https://archive.thinkprogress.org/sessions-wikileaks-priority-assange-crackdown-press-freedoms-7f332489db2b/\">refused</a> to rule out using any potential precedent set by such a dangerous prosecution to go after other US-based news organizations. </p><p data-block-key=\"5hbv3\">When <a href=\"https://thinkprogress.org/sessions-wikileaks-priority-assange-crackdown-press-freedoms-7f332489db2b\">appearing on CNN</a> on April 21, 2017, CNN anchor Kate Bolduan asked Sessions whether “folks should be concerned that this would also open up news organizations like CNN and the New York Times to prosecution.”</p><p data-block-key=\"gjcta\">Sessions steadfastly refused to rule anything out, replying, “That’s speculative, and I’m not able to comment on that.”</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTX3CBGD.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
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"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"jqfqa\">Prosecuting WikiLeaks would be a grave threat to all journalists. </p>",
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"state": {
"name": "District of Columbia",
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},
"updates": [
"(2017-10-18 02:36:00+00:00) Sessions dodges the question again"
],
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"targeted_institutions": [
"Media"
],
"tags": [
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{
"title": "The Justice Department and CIA threatens legal action against WikiLeaks for publishing",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/justice-department-and-cia-threatens-legal-action-against-wikileaks-publishing/",
"first_published_at": "2017-08-02T02:59:51.510991Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-04-17T15:45:54.568013Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-04-17T15:45:54.470443Z",
"date": "2017-04-20",
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"city": "Washington",
"longitude": -77.03637,
"latitude": 38.89511,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"8253h\">After reports in April 2017 indicated that the Justice Department would seek to prosecute WikiLeaks and its editor Julian Assange for its publishing activities, Attorney General Jeff Sessions told a group of reporters on April 20 that arresting Assange was “a priority.”</p><p data-block-key=\"xtc9e\">“We are going to step up our effort and already are stepping up our efforts on all leaks,” Sessions <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/apr/21/arresting-julian-assange-is-a-priority-says-us-attorney-general-jeff-sessions\">said</a>. “This is a matter that’s gone beyond anything I’m aware of. We have professionals that have been in the security business of the United States for many years that are shocked by the number of leaks and some of them are quite serious.”</p><p data-block-key=\"tbxqi\">He added: “So yes, it is a priority. We’ve already begun to step up our efforts and whenever a case can be made, we will seek to put some people in jail.”</p><p data-block-key=\"dwfrg\">The Justice Department’s statements followed a speech by CIA director Mike Pompeo at <a href=\"https://theintercept.com/2017/04/14/trumps-cia-director-pompeo-targeting-wikileaks-explicitly-threatens-speech-and-press-freedoms/\">a DC think tank on April 13</a>, where he called the publisher a “a non-state hostile intelligence service,” claiming that “we have to recognize that we can no longer allow Assange and his colleagues the latitude to use free speech values against us.” Pompeo falsely claimed that “Julian Assange has no First Amendment privileges” because he is “not a U.S. citizen.” (Non-citizens have just as many First Amendment protections as US citizens.)</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
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"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"7h0gu\">Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo speaks at The Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, U.S. April 13, 2017.</p>",
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"state": {
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"(2018-11-16 17:17:00+00:00) DOJ has charged Assange"
],
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},
{
"title": "Photojournalist Nebyou Solomon arrested at Trump rally",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/photojournalist-nebyou-solomon-arrested-trump-rally/",
"first_published_at": "2017-05-18T06:56:39.556525Z",
"last_published_at": "2025-07-24T14:53:48.407834Z",
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"date": "2017-04-15",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Las Vegas",
"longitude": -115.13722,
"latitude": 36.17497,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"9gzcz\">Nebyou Solomon, a photojournalist for 8 News Now, was <a href=\"https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/journalist-arrested-during-tax-protest-outside-trump-international-in-las-vegas/\">arrested</a> on April 15, 2017, while documenting a rally held outside Trump International Hotel Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department released a statement saying that Solomon continued recording from private property belonging to the Fashion Show Mall after security officers requested him to move. Amy Rose, of the ACLU's Nevada chapter, said that Solomon was recording from a sidewalk.</p><p data-block-key=\"nohmn\">Solomon was released eight hours later on the night of his arrest. He was charged with trespassing and obstruction of a police officer.</p></div>",
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"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"awjku\">Las Vegas police stand between protesters against and supporters of the election of Republican Donald Trump as President of the United States on Nov. 12, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada. </p>",
"arresting_authority": "Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department",
"arrest_status": "arrested and released",
"release_date": null,
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"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
"case_number": "2:19-cv-00652",
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"state": {
"name": "Nevada",
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},
"updates": [
"(2023-12-11 15:24:00+00:00) Photojournalist’s lawsuit dismissed, appeal filed",
"(2019-04-17 13:28:00+00:00) Solomon files First Amendment lawsuit against Las Vegas police",
"(2025-06-12 21:04:00+00:00) Appeals court affirms dismissal of journalist’s lawsuit"
],
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],
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"tags": [
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"protest"
],
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"authors": [],
"categories": [
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],
"targeted_journalists": [
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],
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},
{
"title": "Morning Joe hosts claim that administration officials tried to use Enquirer story as leverage",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/morning-joe-hosts-claim-administration-officials-tried-use-enquirer-story-leverage/",
"first_published_at": "2017-08-01T11:00:27.634361Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-11-25T18:54:08.463989Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-11-25T18:54:08.375657Z",
"date": "2017-04-12",
"exact_date_unknown": true,
"city": "New York",
"longitude": -74.00597,
"latitude": 40.71427,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"g8uvv\">MSNBC hosts Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough claimed in a <a href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/donald-trump-is-not-well/2017/06/30/97759ee0-5d0f-11e7-9b7d-14576dc0f39d_story.html\">Washington Post op-ed</a> that senior White House officials used the threat of an Enquirer story about their then-private romantic relationship to try to extract an apology from them to President Donald Trump.</p><p data-block-key=\"d0ckg\">According to Scarborough, Jared Kushner was one of the administration officials who spoke with him about the Enquirer story. Scarborough texted with Kushner in April 2017 and the latter said that the host should personally apologize to Trump for negative coverage on his show, according to <a href=\"http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/06/what-happened-between-trump-morning-joe-and-the-enquirer.html\">a report in New York Magazine</a>.</p><p data-block-key=\"4wekh\">A <a href=\"http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/06/30/trump-kushner-never-blackmailed-scarborough-source-says.html\">Fox News article</a> citing an unnamed White House aide claimed that the exchange with Kushner was not a quid pro quo and that the suggestion of an apology was merely a suggestion for how Scarborough could get back on speaking terms with the president.</p><p data-block-key=\"y9qva\">On June 30, Trump tweeted, “Watched low rated<a href=\"https://twitter.com/Morning_Joe\"> @Morning_Joe</a> for first time in long time. FAKE NEWS. He called me to stop a National Enquirer article. I said no! Bad show.”</p><p data-block-key=\"g1myw\">Scarborough says that he never called Trump to apologize.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTS195O6.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"7hm3m\">MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski arrive for the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, U.S. on April 25, 2015.</p>",
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"name": "New York",
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},
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"tags": [
"Donald Trump"
],
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],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Joe Scarborough (MSNBC)",
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],
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},
{
"title": "Egyptian talk show host slapped on the back of the neck",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/egyptian-talk-show-host-slapped-back-neck/",
"first_published_at": "2017-07-31T05:33:59.643118Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-03-20T17:24:41.546419Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-03-20T17:24:41.439595Z",
"date": "2017-04-03",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Washington",
"longitude": -77.03637,
"latitude": 38.89511,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"zy9gy\">Egyptian talk show host Youssef al-Hosiny was accosted by protesters in Washington, D.C. on April 3, 2017, and slapped on the back of the neck. </p><p data-block-key=\"srnqo\">According to <a href=\"https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2017/4/4/egypt-journalist-attacked-by-anti-sisi-protesters-in-washington-streets\">an article</a> in The New Arab (“Al-Araby Al-Jadeed” in Arabic), being slapped on the back of the neck is an extremely insulting form of assault in Egypt.</p><p data-block-key=\"303bs\">Al-Hosiny was in D.C. to cover Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s visit to the White House.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTX33WBH.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"7rli0\">U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the White House on April 3, 2017. Journalist Youssef al-Hosiny was accosted by protesters while in DC to cover the meeting.</p>",
"arresting_authority": null,
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"assailant": "private individual",
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"state": {
"name": "District of Columbia",
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"tags": [
"protest"
],
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"categories": [
"Assault"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Youssef al-Hosiny (Cairo Time [Egypt])"
],
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},
{
"title": "Trump administration calls for changing libel laws",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/trump-administration-calls-changing-libel-laws/",
"first_published_at": "2017-08-01T02:23:46.470794Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-03-20T17:18:11.851925Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-03-20T17:18:11.758208Z",
"date": "2017-03-30",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Washington",
"longitude": -77.03637,
"latitude": 38.89511,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"pqxjc\">On March 30, 2017, President Trump tweeted, “The failing @nytimes has disgraced the media world. Gotten me wrong for two solid years. Change libel laws?”</p></div>\n<div class=\"block-raw_html\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-lang=\"en\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The failing <a href=\"https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@nytimes</a> has disgraced the media world. Gotten me wrong for two solid years. Change libel laws? <a href=\"https://t.co/QIqLgvYLLi\">https://t.co/QIqLgvYLLi</a></p>— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/847455180912181249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 30, 2017</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script></div>\n<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"tieka\">There are currently no federal libel laws, and Supreme Court has said that plaintiffs must meet a very high standard in order to win a libel suit. Trump would have a difficult time following through on his threat, <a href=\"https://cpj.org/2016/12/transition-to-trump-first-amendment-attorney-floyd/\">according to First Amendment lawyers</a>.</p><p data-block-key=\"gfsh2\"><a href=\"http://money.cnn.com/2017/03/30/media/libel-laws-donald-trump-new-york-times/?iid=EL\">This tweet</a> is not the first time that Trump suggested changing libel laws. On Feb. 26, 2016, during the Republican primary campaign, Trump <a href=\"http://www.politico.com/blogs/on-media/2016/02/donald-trump-libel-laws-219866\">said</a> that he wanted to “open up libel laws.”</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTX28RTJ.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"fc9bj\">Trump says that he will open up libel laws during a campaign event in Fort Worth, Texas on February 26, 2016.</p>",
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"state": {
"name": "District of Columbia",
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},
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"targeted_institutions": [
"Media"
],
"tags": [
"Donald Trump"
],
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"Chilling Statement"
],
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},
{
"title": "ICE denies parole to Mexican journalist seeking asylum",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/ice-denies-parole-mexican-journalist-seeking-asylum/",
"first_published_at": "2017-07-26T02:00:48.560178Z",
"last_published_at": "2025-08-28T20:09:31.540379Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2025-08-28T20:09:31.431682Z",
"date": "2017-03-28",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "El Paso",
"longitude": -106.48693,
"latitude": 31.75872,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"aj66y\">Martín Méndez Pineda, a Mexican journalist legally seeking asylum in the United States, was denied parole on March 28, 2017. Pineda arrived in the U.S. the previous month on February 5 and entered an asylum claim alleging that he received death threats in relation to his reporting on the federal police in the Mexican state of Guerrero.</p><p data-block-key=\"jxnuq\">On March 1, Pineda <a href=\"https://rsf.org/en/mexican-journalist-held-us-border-past-two-months\">passed</a> a “credible fear interview” to establish whether a real threat exists. U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement refused to grant him parole, however, on the grounds that he was a “flight risk” and did not have substantial ties to the community.</p><p data-block-key=\"thbap\">Pineda spent almost four months in detention before returning to Mexico in May 2017.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/martin-mendez.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"3mtt9\">Martín Méndez Pineda</p>",
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"is_search_warrant_obtained": false,
"actor": null,
"border_point": null,
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"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": false,
"did_authorities_ask_for_device_access": null,
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"assailant": null,
"was_journalist_targeted": null,
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
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"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
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"state": {
"name": "Texas",
"abbreviation": "TX"
},
"updates": [
"(2017-09-13 12:00:00+00:00) CBP refuses to allow Pineda into U.S."
],
"case_statuses": [],
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"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [],
"tags": [
"ICE"
],
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"categories": [
"Other Incident"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Martín Méndez Pineda (Independent)"
],
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"type_of_denial": []
},
{
"title": "OC Weekly intern Frank Tristan attacked at pro-Trump rally",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/oc-weekly-intern-frank-tristan-attacked-pro-trump-rally/",
"first_published_at": "2017-07-30T04:47:56.356311Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-11-25T16:54:50.312682Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-11-25T16:54:50.237493Z",
"date": "2017-03-25",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Huntington Beach",
"longitude": -117.99923,
"latitude": 33.6603,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"qfdtf\">Frank Tristan, an intern at OC Weekly, <a href=\"http://www.ocweekly.com/news/huntington-beach-pro-trump-march-turns-into-attack-on-anti-trump-protesters-press-7991623\">was assaulte</a>d alongside OC Weekly photographers Julie Leopo and Brian Feinzimer on March 25, 2017, while covering a pro-Donald Trump march in Huntington Beach, California.</p><p data-block-key=\"3gn5a\">As demonstrators attacked Brian Feinzimer, Tristan attempted to intervene and was repeatedly punched by an unidentified assailant.</p><p data-block-key=\"xjq75\"><a href=\"http://www.ocweekly.com/news/oc-weekly-reporters-photographers-intern-talk-about-huntington-beachs-trumpbro-free-for-all-7997408\">According to OC Weekly editor</a> Gustavo Arellano, an officer was asked to pursue the man but refused.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTX32PKV.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"6l8w6\">Demonstrators send off white doves from the beach as they protest in support of U.S. President Donald Trump during a rally in Huntington Beach, California, U.S., March 25, 2017. </p>",
"arresting_authority": null,
"arrest_status": null,
"release_date": null,
"detention_date": null,
"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
"case_number": null,
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"actor": null,
"border_point": null,
"target_us_citizenship_status": null,
"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": false,
"did_authorities_ask_for_device_access": null,
"did_authorities_ask_about_work": null,
"assailant": "private individual",
"was_journalist_targeted": "yes",
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
"subpoena_type": null,
"name_of_business": null,
"third_party_business": null,
"legal_order_venue": null,
"status_of_prior_restraint": null,
"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
"links": [],
"equipment_seized": [],
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"state": {
"name": "California",
"abbreviation": "CA"
},
"updates": [
"(2024-04-04 09:19:00+00:00) California man sentenced for punching journalist at pro-Trump rally"
],
"case_statuses": [],
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"tags": [
"protest"
],
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"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Assault"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Frank Tristan (OC Weekly)"
],
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"type_of_denial": []
},
{
"title": "OC Weekly photographer Brian Feinzimer attacked at pro-Trump rally",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/oc-weekly-photographer-brian-feinzimer-attacked-pro-trump-rally/",
"first_published_at": "2017-07-30T04:42:22.006402Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-11-25T16:54:42.265789Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-11-25T16:54:42.173375Z",
"date": "2017-03-25",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Huntington Beach",
"longitude": -117.99923,
"latitude": 33.6603,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"9ncfd\">Brian Feinzimer, a photographer for OC Weekly, was <a href=\"http://www.ocweekly.com/news/huntington-beach-pro-trump-march-turns-into-attack-on-anti-trump-protesters-press-7991623\">assaulted alongsid</a>e OC Weekly photographer Julie Leopo and intern Frank Tristan on March 25, 2017, while covering a pro-Donald Trump march in Huntington Beach, California.</p><p data-block-key=\"7a478\">After photographing a demonstrator who repeatedly hit Leopo with an American flag, the demonstrator turned on Feinzimer. He was then shoved and punched by an unidentified assailant.</p><p data-block-key=\"stl5s\"><a href=\"http://www.ocweekly.com/news/oc-weekly-reporters-photographers-intern-talk-about-huntington-beachs-trumpbro-free-for-all-7997408\">According to OC Weekly editor</a> Gustavo Arellano, an officer was asked to pursue the man but refused.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTX32PPL.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"r2u0i\">Pro-Trump rally participants mix with Anti-Trump protesters as the two sides clash during a Pro-Trump rally in Huntington Beach, California, U.S., March 25, 2017.</p>",
"arresting_authority": null,
"arrest_status": null,
"release_date": null,
"detention_date": null,
"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
"case_number": null,
"case_type": null,
"status_of_seized_equipment": null,
"is_search_warrant_obtained": false,
"actor": null,
"border_point": null,
"target_us_citizenship_status": null,
"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": false,
"did_authorities_ask_for_device_access": null,
"did_authorities_ask_about_work": null,
"assailant": "private individual",
"was_journalist_targeted": "yes",
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
"subpoena_type": null,
"name_of_business": null,
"third_party_business": null,
"legal_order_venue": null,
"status_of_prior_restraint": null,
"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
"links": [],
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"state": {
"name": "California",
"abbreviation": "CA"
},
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"target_nationality": [],
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"tags": [
"protest"
],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Assault"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Brian Feinzimer (OC Weekly)"
],
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"type_of_denial": []
},
{
"title": "OC Weekly photographer Julie Leopo attacked at pro-Trump rally",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/oc-weekly-photographer-julie-leopo-attacked-pro-trump-rally/",
"first_published_at": "2017-07-28T20:40:15.516833Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-11-25T16:54:35.010942Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-11-25T16:54:34.930035Z",
"date": "2017-03-25",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Huntington Beach",
"longitude": -117.99923,
"latitude": 33.6603,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"2kp4c\">Julie Leopo, a photographer for OC Weekly, was <a href=\"http://www.ocweekly.com/news/huntington-beach-pro-trump-march-turns-into-attack-on-anti-trump-protesters-press-7991623\">assaulted alongside</a> OC Weekly photographer Brian Feinzimer and intern Frank Tristan on March 25, 2017, while covering a pro-Donald Trump march in Huntington Beach, California.</p><p data-block-key=\"b2xm4\">After one demonstrator approached Leopo yelling “fake news” and repeatedly hit her with an American flag, Feinzimer turned his camera on the demonstrator and a violent 30 minute brawl ensued. </p><p data-block-key=\"8iir6\">Leopo <a href=\"http://www.ocweekly.com/news/oc-weekly-reporters-photographers-intern-talk-about-huntington-beachs-trumpbro-free-for-all-7997408\">claims</a> that she reported her attacker to a police officer, but the officer refused to write a report.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTX32Q0H.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"dvr2v\">Participants carry flags during the Southern California Make America Great Again march in support of President Trump, the military and first responders in Huntington Beach, California, on March 25, 2017.</p>",
"arresting_authority": null,
"arrest_status": null,
"release_date": null,
"detention_date": null,
"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
"case_number": null,
"case_type": null,
"status_of_seized_equipment": null,
"is_search_warrant_obtained": false,
"actor": null,
"border_point": null,
"target_us_citizenship_status": null,
"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": false,
"did_authorities_ask_for_device_access": null,
"did_authorities_ask_about_work": null,
"assailant": "private individual",
"was_journalist_targeted": "yes",
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
"subpoena_type": null,
"name_of_business": null,
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"legal_order_venue": null,
"status_of_prior_restraint": null,
"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
"links": [],
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"state": {
"name": "California",
"abbreviation": "CA"
},
"updates": [],
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"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [],
"tags": [
"protest"
],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Assault"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Julie Leopo (OC Weekly)"
],
"subpoena_statuses": [],
"type_of_denial": []
},
{
"title": "Journalist, graduate student stopped for secondary screening, electronic devices searched",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/journalist-graduate-student-stopped-secondary-screening-electronic-devices-searched/",
"first_published_at": "2019-11-08T17:26:47.213697Z",
"last_published_at": "2025-09-08T13:29:17.566008Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2025-09-08T13:29:17.459410Z",
"date": "2017-03-05",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Toronto",
"longitude": null,
"latitude": null,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"jui10\">Zainab Merchant, a graduate student at Harvard University and founder of the online publication Zainab Rights, was subjected to secondary screening and her devices searched by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at preclearance in Toronto, Canada, on March 5, 2017.</p><p data-block-key=\"5pas7\">Merchant is one of 11 plaintiffs in a pending lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the ACLU of Massachusetts. According to <a href=\"https://www.aclu.org/legal-document/alasaad-v-duke-aclu-amended-complaint\">the legal complaint</a>, filed in Sept. 2017, Merchant was returning to the U.S. after visiting her uncle in Toronto. When CBP officers directed her to secondary inspection, they took her laptop and and ordered her to turn over her smartphone.</p><p data-block-key=\"jlxq9\">Merchant objected, in part because her phone contained pictures of her without her headscarf that she did not want the male officers to see, but also because it contained information and communications related to her blog. According to the complaint, a CBP officer told her that her phone would be seized indefinitely if she did not comply.</p><p data-block-key=\"vkb13\">“In tears, Ms. Merchant unlocked her phone. She also provided the password to unlock her laptop,” the complaint added.</p><p data-block-key=\"g0q1b\">During the hour and a half that Merchant’s electronic devices were out of her sight, CBP officers thoroughly searcher her bags, read her graduate school notebooks and questioned her about her religious affiliation and her blog. Officers specifically asked about an article she had written for Zainab Rights describing her experience at the border in 2016 which was critical of CBP’s actions.</p><p data-block-key=\"sguxz\">Merchant spent approximately two hours in the inspection area before she was permitted to leave for the boarding area. When her devices were returned, her Facebook app was open to her friends list, which was not the case when she turned over her phone.</p><p data-block-key=\"5i1dl\">According to a <a href=\"https://www.aclu.org/legal-document/zainab-merchant-administrative-complaint-department-homeland-security\">separate complaint</a> the organizations filed with DHS on Merchant’s behalf in 2018, when she arrived at the boarding gate, she underwent another pat-down.</p><p data-block-key=\"7htp2\">The complaint states that Merchant was also subjected to additional screening when she landed in Newark, New Jersey for her connecting flight. The Transportation Security Administration officer checking Merchant’s boarding pass told her she would need to pass through security again, a process which took an hour and caused her to miss her flight.</p><p data-block-key=\"es87a\">In a 2018 opinion article in The Washington Post, Merchant <a href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/i-may-have-to-quit-harvard--because-the-tsa-wont-stop-searching-me/2018/08/14/0dbdbb72-9a55-11e8-b55e-5002300ef004_story.html\">outlined how she was detained</a> for secondary screenings <a href=\"https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/journalist-graduate-student-stopped-again-secondary-screening/\">multiple times</a> in the previous two year period, including one in 2016 that involved her husband and then-6-month-old baby for six hours. The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker includes incidents only from 2017 forward.</p><p data-block-key=\"w66rr\">In the Post, Merchant said that as the stops continued she filed a complaint through DHS’s Travel Redress Inquiry Program, wrote to members of Congress and applied for TSA Precheck and CBP Global Entry, programs designed to expedite domestic and international travel. She said her efforts were to no avail.</p><p data-block-key=\"exu8q\">“Am I being stopped because I am Muslim, or because my family once traveled to Iran to visit a holy shrine? Is it because of my criticism of U.S. policies on the multimedia website I run to raise awareness about injustices around the world? Maybe it’s all three,” Merchant wrote. “Federal officers have asked me about my writing and religion, both of which are protected by the First Amendment.”</p><p data-block-key=\"s01uu\">Merchant did not respond to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker’s requests for comment.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
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"case_number": "1:17-cv-11730",
"case_type": "CIVIL",
"status_of_seized_equipment": "returned in full",
"is_search_warrant_obtained": false,
"actor": null,
"border_point": "Toronto Pearson International Airport",
"target_us_citizenship_status": "U.S. citizen",
"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": true,
"did_authorities_ask_for_device_access": "yes",
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"equipment_seized": [
{
"quantity": 1,
"equipment": "cellphone"
},
{
"quantity": 1,
"equipment": "computer"
}
],
"equipment_broken": [],
"state": {
"name": "Canada",
"abbreviation": null
},
"updates": [
"(2019-11-12 12:43:00+00:00) Federal court finds warrantless searches of devices violates Fourth Amendment of travelers",
"(2021-06-28 00:00:00+00:00) Supreme Court declines to hear case on warrantless electronic device searches at border"
],
"case_statuses": [
"dismissed"
],
"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [
"United States"
],
"targeted_institutions": [],
"tags": [],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Border Stop",
"Equipment Search or Seizure"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Zainab Merchant (Independent)"
],
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},
{
"title": "Reporters excluded from press briefing",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/reporters-excluded-press-briefing/",
"first_published_at": "2017-08-02T06:11:40.032611Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-11-25T19:49:10.346117Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-11-25T19:49:10.241167Z",
"date": "2017-02-24",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Washington",
"longitude": -77.03637,
"latitude": 38.89511,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"j2lah\">Aides to White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer barred 11 news outlets from attending an informal briefing known as a “gaggle” held in lieu of a daily press briefing on Feb. 24, 2017. When reporters tried to enter Spicer's office for the briefing, they were told that they were not on the list of attendees. The press pool was invited to attend along with several handpicked outlets.</p><p data-block-key=\"z9tka\">CNN, The New York Times, Politico, The Hill, the BBC, the Daily Mail, the Guardian, BuzzFeed, Huffington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and New York Daily News were excluded.</p><p data-block-key=\"0mnx2\">White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders claimed that the briefing had taken place in a smaller office and that the press pool had been invited. </p><p data-block-key=\"m6wkl\">“We invited the pool so everyone was represented. We decided to add a couple of additional people beyond the pool. Nothing more than that," she said.</p><p data-block-key=\"9v567\">The pool consisted of Hearst Newspapers and CBS. NBC, ABC, Fox News, One America News Network, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Breitbart, McClatchy and The Washington Times were also invited and attended.</p><p data-block-key=\"vwp5v\">Reporters from The Associated Press, Time and USA Today declined to attend. </p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTS107KL.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"xeuyp\">Journalists work in the briefing room at the White House on Feb. 24, 2017. Several major news organizations were excluded from an off camera "gaggle" meeting with White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer.</p>",
"arresting_authority": null,
"arrest_status": null,
"release_date": null,
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"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
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"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": false,
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"assailant": null,
"was_journalist_targeted": null,
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
"subpoena_type": null,
"name_of_business": null,
"third_party_business": null,
"legal_order_venue": null,
"status_of_prior_restraint": null,
"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
"links": [],
"equipment_seized": [],
"equipment_broken": [],
"state": {
"name": "District of Columbia",
"abbreviation": "DC"
},
"updates": [],
"case_statuses": [],
"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [
"BBC News [United Kingdom]",
"BuzzFeed News",
"CNN",
"Daily Mail",
"HuffPost",
"Los Angeles Times",
"[New York] Daily News",
"Politico",
"The Guardian",
"The Hill",
"The New York Times"
],
"tags": [
"Donald Trump"
],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [
"Federal government: White House"
],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Denial of Access"
],
"targeted_journalists": [],
"subpoena_statuses": [],
"type_of_denial": [
"Government event"
]
},
{
"title": "Trump calls “fake news” the “enemy of the people”",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/trump-calls-fake-news-enemy-people/",
"first_published_at": "2017-08-01T12:35:39.926199Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-03-20T17:01:48.103741Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-03-20T17:01:48.027203Z",
"date": "2017-02-24",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Oxon Hill",
"longitude": -76.9897,
"latitude": 38.80345,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"onofm\">In a speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Feb. 24, 2017, Trump referred to the media as the “enemy of the people.” </p><p data-block-key=\"14b0v\">A week earlier, Trump <a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/17/business/trump-calls-the-news-media-the-enemy-of-the-people.html\">had tweeted</a> “The FAKE NEWS media (failing @nytimes, @CNN, @NBCNews and many more) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American people. SICK!”</p><p data-block-key=\"pvfaw\">During the CPAC conference, Trump <a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/24/us/politics/white-house-sean-spicer-briefing.html\">referenced</a> his earlier tweet, saying that he called the “fake media” the enemy of the people because they had no sources. He also said that the phrase only replied to “dishonest” reporters.</p><p data-block-key=\"7cz40\">During the conference, Trump also said that journalists should not be allowed to use anonymous sources. “They shouldn’t be allowed to use a source, unless the use somebody’s name,” he said.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTS106MV.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"76eh5\">U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, in Oxon Hill, Maryland, U.S., February 24, 2017. </p>",
"arresting_authority": null,
"arrest_status": null,
"release_date": null,
"detention_date": null,
"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
"case_number": null,
"case_type": null,
"status_of_seized_equipment": null,
"is_search_warrant_obtained": false,
"actor": null,
"border_point": null,
"target_us_citizenship_status": null,
"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": false,
"did_authorities_ask_for_device_access": null,
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"assailant": null,
"was_journalist_targeted": null,
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
"subpoena_type": null,
"name_of_business": null,
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"legal_order_venue": null,
"status_of_prior_restraint": null,
"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
"links": [],
"equipment_seized": [],
"equipment_broken": [],
"state": {
"name": "Maryland",
"abbreviation": "MD"
},
"updates": [],
"case_statuses": [],
"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [
"Media"
],
"tags": [
"Donald Trump"
],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Chilling Statement"
],
"targeted_journalists": [],
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"type_of_denial": []
},
{
"title": "Journalist Tracie Williams arrested at Standing Rock",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/journalist-tracie-williams-arrested-standing-rock/",
"first_published_at": "2017-05-24T21:51:13.234889Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-04-17T15:47:20.703736Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-04-17T15:47:20.581636Z",
"date": "2017-02-23",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Morton County",
"longitude": null,
"latitude": null,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"uwf90\">Tracie Williams, an independent photojournalist, was arrested on Feb. 23, 2017, while covering events at the Dakota Access Pipeline camp. Police seized her phone, camera, lenses, external battery packs, blank flash cards, and data discs and held them as evidence.</p><p data-block-key=\"zwj3u\">Williams is charged with physical obstruction of government function, a Class A misdemeanor that could result in a year in jail. According to police records, Williams pleaded not guilty.</p><p data-block-key=\"cpni7\"><a href=\"https://nppa.org/news/confiscated-cameras-returned\">According to the National Press Photographers Association</a>, Williams’ seized equipment was returned to her on March 1.</p><p data-block-key=\"9qya4\">Williams is scheduled to go to trial in June 2018.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/TW_Feed-The-Flame-20_1.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"6iwmg\">A law enforcement officer points his gun at two Water Protectors praying near a Dakota Access Pipeline resistance camp, on Feb. 23, 2017. Photojournalist Tracie Williams took this photograph moments before she was arrested.</p>",
"arresting_authority": "Morton County Sheriff's Department",
"arrest_status": "arrested and released",
"release_date": null,
"detention_date": null,
"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
"case_number": null,
"case_type": null,
"status_of_seized_equipment": "returned in full",
"is_search_warrant_obtained": false,
"actor": "law enforcement",
"border_point": null,
"target_us_citizenship_status": null,
"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": false,
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"assailant": null,
"was_journalist_targeted": null,
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
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"name_of_business": null,
"third_party_business": null,
"legal_order_venue": null,
"status_of_prior_restraint": null,
"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
"links": [],
"equipment_seized": [
{
"quantity": 1,
"equipment": "camera"
},
{
"quantity": 1,
"equipment": "cellphone"
},
{
"quantity": 3,
"equipment": "storage device"
},
{
"quantity": 1,
"equipment": "recording equipment"
}
],
"equipment_broken": [],
"state": {
"name": "North Dakota",
"abbreviation": "ND"
},
"updates": [
"(2018-07-11 17:20:00+00:00) Charges dismissed",
"(2018-01-29 12:00:00+00:00) Tracie Williams statement"
],
"case_statuses": [],
"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [],
"tags": [
"environmentalism",
"protest"
],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Arrest/Criminal Charge",
"Equipment Search or Seizure"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Tracie Williams (Independent)"
],
"subpoena_statuses": [],
"type_of_denial": []
},
{
"title": "Journalist Tonita Cervantes arrested at Standing Rock",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/journalist-tonita-cervantes-arrested-standing-rock/",
"first_published_at": "2017-05-24T22:01:58.221086Z",
"last_published_at": "2025-04-03T21:10:52.224097Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2025-04-03T21:10:52.095230Z",
"date": "2017-02-22",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Morton County",
"longitude": null,
"latitude": null,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"rrmjn\">Tonita Cervantes, a freelance photojournalist, was arrested on Feb. 22, 2017, while covering events at the Dakota Access Pipeline camp. Police seized her phone, camera, lenses, external battery packs, blank flash cards, and data discs and held them as evidence.</p><p data-block-key=\"ld95m\">Cervantes is charged with physical obstruction of government function, a Class A misdemeanor that could result in a year in jail. According to police records, Cervantes pleaded not guilty.</p><p data-block-key=\"hkdv7\">Cervantes’ seized equipment was returned to her on March 1, <a href=\"http://blogs.nppa.org/advocacy/2017/02/28/nppa-joined-groups-sends-letter-requesting-return-seized-equipment/\">according to the National Press Photographers Association</a>.</p><p data-block-key=\"0wv46\">Cervantes is scheduled to go to trial in June 2018.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/Cervantes.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"tis06\">Photojournalist Tonita Cervantes was arrested shortly after taking this photo of law enforcement officers enforcing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s evacuation order for the Oceti Sakowin camp in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, on Feb. 22, 2017.</p>",
"arresting_authority": "Morton County Sheriff's Department",
"arrest_status": "arrested and released",
"release_date": "2017-02-23",
"detention_date": "2017-02-22",
"unnecessary_use_of_force": true,
"case_number": "1:22-cv-00211",
"case_type": "CIVIL",
"status_of_seized_equipment": "returned in full",
"is_search_warrant_obtained": false,
"actor": "law enforcement",
"border_point": null,
"target_us_citizenship_status": null,
"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": false,
"did_authorities_ask_for_device_access": null,
"did_authorities_ask_about_work": null,
"assailant": "law enforcement",
"was_journalist_targeted": "yes",
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
"subpoena_type": null,
"name_of_business": null,
"third_party_business": null,
"legal_order_venue": null,
"status_of_prior_restraint": null,
"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
"links": [],
"equipment_seized": [
{
"quantity": 1,
"equipment": "camera"
},
{
"quantity": 1,
"equipment": "camera lens"
},
{
"quantity": 1,
"equipment": "cellphone"
},
{
"quantity": 1,
"equipment": "external battery"
},
{
"quantity": 14,
"equipment": "storage device"
}
],
"equipment_broken": [],
"state": {
"name": "North Dakota",
"abbreviation": "ND"
},
"updates": [
"(2022-12-19 00:00:00+00:00) Freelance photojournalist sues ND county, city, officers for wrongful arrest at pipeline protest",
"(2024-03-01 00:00:00+00:00) Journalist’s suit against North Dakota law enforcement dismissed"
],
"case_statuses": [
"dismissed"
],
"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [],
"tags": [
"environmentalism",
"protest"
],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Arrest/Criminal Charge",
"Assault",
"Equipment Search or Seizure"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Tonita Cervantes (Freelance)"
],
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},
{
"title": "Reporter Jack Smith IV charged with obstruction at Standing Rock",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/reporter-jack-smith-iv-charged-obstruction-standing-rock/",
"first_published_at": "2017-05-23T20:20:24.754797Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-04-17T15:48:09.020028Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-04-17T15:48:08.881845Z",
"date": "2017-02-22",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Morton County",
"longitude": null,
"latitude": null,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"ya22l\">Jack Smith IV, a journalist with Mic, was arrested on Feb. 22, 2017, while documenting law enforcement’s efforts to clear protesters from the Oceti Sakowin camp at the Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota.</p><p data-block-key=\"owv6v\">Smith described his arrest in a <a href=\"https://mic.com/articles/169482/i-watched-standing-rock-protesters-dance-for-victory-then-the-police-arrested-us\">first-person account published on Mic</a>:</p></div>\n<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"de2sa\"><i>When it came time for police to move in, they slowly marched forward in a line on the road above the camp. They stopped at the head of a camp entrance, flag road, leading many to believe the media could be at a safe distance to film while police entered camp.</i></p><p data-block-key=\"ntxct\"><i>But the police didn't veer down the hill along a separate entrance into the camp, as expected. Instead, they sprinted forward on the road toward a handful of protesters and the media covering them, batons waving in full riot gear. Burdened by the weight of luggage, a camera and a hefty portable battery there was no way I was going to continue to retreat quickly enough. They were five feet away. I dropped to my knees, head bowed, hands up. Nine of us were arrested at first — me, an independent journalist and seven water protectors — charged with obstructing a government function (Mic is contesting this charge).</i></p></div>\n<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"pbkzo\">Smith was charged with physical obstruction of government function, a Class A misdemeanor that could result in a year in jail. Police also seized his camera and laptop, which have not been returned to him.</p><p data-block-key=\"x0iv8\">Smith is scheduled to go to trial in June 2018.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/15319243_10206728731240293_656969.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"2cye7\">Jack Smith IV on the ground at Standing Rock</p>",
"arresting_authority": "Morton County Sheriff's Department",
"arrest_status": "arrested and released",
"release_date": null,
"detention_date": null,
"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
"case_number": null,
"case_type": null,
"status_of_seized_equipment": "returned in full",
"is_search_warrant_obtained": false,
"actor": "law enforcement",
"border_point": null,
"target_us_citizenship_status": null,
"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": false,
"did_authorities_ask_for_device_access": null,
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"assailant": null,
"was_journalist_targeted": null,
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
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"legal_order_venue": null,
"status_of_prior_restraint": null,
"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
"links": [],
"equipment_seized": [
{
"quantity": 1,
"equipment": "camera"
},
{
"quantity": 1,
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"name": "North Dakota",
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},
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"(2017-12-07 15:14:00+00:00) Charges dropped",
"(2018-02-01 00:00:00+00:00) North Dakota authorities return equipment a year after seizure, but with damage"
],
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"tags": [
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"protest"
],
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"Arrest/Criminal Charge",
"Equipment Search or Seizure",
"Equipment Damage"
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"Jack Smith IV (Mic)"
],
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},
{
"title": "Filmmaker Jahnny Lee charged with obstruction at Standing Rock",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/filmmaker-jahnny-lee-charged-obstruction-standing-rock/",
"first_published_at": "2017-05-23T20:03:46.122162Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-04-17T15:49:07.101908Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-04-17T15:49:06.971371Z",
"date": "2017-02-22",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Morton County",
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"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"5dbq4\">Jahnny Lee, a filmmaker working with the Sundance Institute, was arrested on Feb. 22, 2017, while filming a standoff between police and protesters at Standing Rock. On the day of his arrest, Lee was filming on Highway 1806, along with Jack Smith IV. During his arrest, Lee’s camera and phone were seized.</p><p data-block-key=\"930dq\">Reed Lindsay, who witnessed the arrest, <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/reed.lindsay.33/posts/10154135894940653\">claimed on Facebook</a> that police initially told journalists that they could film events on Highway 1806, but then later arrested journalists who did so.</p><p data-block-key=\"vg9p2\">Lee was charged with physical obstruction of government function, a Class A misdemeanor that could result in a year in jail. He is scheduled to go to trial in June 2018.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTSTEZI.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880_iLPlyTo.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"ijpnf\">The Oceti Sakowin camp is seen at sunrise during a protest against plans to pass the Dakota Access pipeline near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, U.S. November 2, 2016. </p>",
"arresting_authority": "Morton County Sheriff's Department",
"arrest_status": "arrested and released",
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"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
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"case_type": null,
"status_of_seized_equipment": "returned in full",
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"actor": "law enforcement",
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"assailant": null,
"was_journalist_targeted": null,
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
"subpoena_type": null,
"name_of_business": null,
"third_party_business": null,
"legal_order_venue": null,
"status_of_prior_restraint": null,
"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
"links": [],
"equipment_seized": [
{
"quantity": 1,
"equipment": "camera"
},
{
"quantity": 1,
"equipment": "cellphone"
}
],
"equipment_broken": [],
"state": {
"name": "North Dakota",
"abbreviation": "ND"
},
"updates": [
"(2018-04-27 12:40:00+00:00) Charges dismissed",
"(2017-02-25 17:17:00+00:00) Law enforcement returns equipment seized during filmmaker’s arrest"
],
"case_statuses": [],
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"tags": [
"environmentalism",
"protest"
],
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"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Arrest/Criminal Charge",
"Equipment Search or Seizure"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Jahnny Lee (Sundance Institute)"
],
"subpoena_statuses": [],
"type_of_denial": []
}
]
