The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker

Go to incidents database

A database of press freedom incidents in the United States — everything from arrests of journalists and the seizure of their equipment to assaults and interrogations at the U.S. border. The Press Freedom Tracker documents incidents across the country, involving national, state and local authorities.

From Our Blog

Targeting unknown in the gun death of a journalist in Florida

Published

February 28, 2023

Written by

Kirstin McCudden
The eyes of Texas (have been moved up a floor)

State reporters in Texas learn their access to senators remains at a distance

Published

January 31, 2023

Written by

Kirstin McCudden
Charges — and punishments — for J6 rioters who hurt journalists, damaged news equipment

Published

October 21, 2022

Written by

Kio Herrera

Featured Incidents

University staff member interrupts student journalist’s coverage at SEC Tournament
1. Other Incident
Date of Incident

March 10, 2023

Location

Nashville , Tennessee

Targets

Jack Weaver (The Kentucky Kernel)
- #student journalism
Judge delays public notice of Texas abortion pill hearing
1. Other Incident
Date of Incident

March 10, 2023

Location

Amarillo , Texas

Targets

Media
- #reproductive rights
FTC orders Twitter to disclose names of journalists
1. Other Incident
Date of Incident

December 13, 2022

Location

Washington , District of Columbia

Targets

Media

Go to Incidents Database

Learn More About Our Categories

Arrest/Criminal Charge Assault Border Stop Chilling Statement Denial of Access Equipment Damage Equipment Search or Seizure Leak Case Prior Restraint Subpoena/Legal Order Other Incident

Recent Incidents

City manager threatens reporter, outlet with legal action
1. Chilling Statement
Date of Incident

March 20, 2023

Location

Newburgh , New York

Targets

Blaise Gomez (News 12 Hudson Valley)
University staff member interrupts student journalist’s coverage at SEC Tournament
1. Other Incident
Date of Incident

March 10, 2023

Location

Nashville , Tennessee

Targets

Jack Weaver (The Kentucky Kernel)
- #student journalism
Judge delays public notice of Texas abortion pill hearing
1. Other Incident
Date of Incident

March 10, 2023

Location

Amarillo , Texas

Targets

Media
- #reproductive rights
Spectrum News 13 reporter killed, photographer shot while reporting
1. Assault
Date of Incident

February 22, 2023

Location

Pine Hills , Florida

Targets

Dylan Lyons (Spectrum News 13)
- #killed
- #shot / shot at
Spectrum News 13 photographer shot while reporting; reporter killed
1. Assault
Date of Incident

February 22, 2023

Location

Pine Hills , Florida

Targets

Jesse Walden (Spectrum News 13)
- #shot / shot at
Judge bars media from publishing on expelled student suing UNC system
1. Prior Restraint
Date of Incident

February 22, 2023

Location

Asheville , North Carolina

Targets

Media
NewsNation reporter arrested while covering Ohio governor news conference
1. Arrest/Criminal Charge
2. Assault
Date of Incident

February 8, 2023

Location

East Palestine , Ohio

Targets

Evan Lambert (NewsNation)
Reporter pepper-sprayed while covering ‘Justice for Tyre’ protest
1. Assault
Date of Incident

February 1, 2023

Location

Johnson City , New York

Targets

Sarah Eames (Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin)

Go to Incidents Database