Incident details
- Date of incident
- October 10, 2025
- Assailant
- Private individual
- Was the journalist targeted?
- Yes
Assault
A news crew with broadcast station WJZ-TV was setting up for a live shot in Baltimore, Maryland, on Oct. 10, 2025, when an individual attempted to interfere. The individual punched the photojournalist when he interceded. Licensed under public domain, CC0.
A photographer with Baltimore, Maryland, station WJZ-TV was punched by an individual attempting to intervene in a live broadcast late on Oct. 10, 2025.
According to FTVLive, the news crew for the CBS-owned station was setting up for a live shot when an individual attempted to intervene in their broadcast. When the photographer stepped in, the individual punched him in the face, causing a laceration.
The reporter was not injured.
Tanya Black, vice president and news director for WJZ-TV, addressed the incident in an email to the station’s staff on Oct. 12.
“We experienced a frightening and concerning incident Friday night during a live shot for the 11 p.m. newscast. Thankfully, everyone is okay,” Black wrote. “Please remember, you do not need permission to leave a location if you feel unsafe.
“Your safety and well-being come first—always. If you feel uncomfortable or threatened, leave immediately, get to a safe place, and call the station once you’re in a safe location. No interview, shot, or live segment is worth risking your safety,” she continued.
WJZ-TV did not respond to a request for additional information.
The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker catalogs press freedom violations in the United States. Email tips to [email protected].
