U.S. Press Freedom Tracker

Individual aims weapon at FOX reporter, photographer during morning broadcast

Incident Details

Date of Incident
May 25, 2022
Location
Chicago, Illinois

Assault

Was the journalist targeted?
Yes
SCREENSHOT

Police are attempting to identify a man on suspicion of aggravated assault with a firearm after he aimed what appeared to be a handgun at a FOX 32 news crew in Chicago, Illinois, on May 25, 2022.

— SCREENSHOT
May 25, 2022

An unidentified individual aimed what appeared to be a firearm at FOX 32 reporter Joanie Lum and an unidentified photographer during their live report in Chicago, Illinois, on May 25, 2022.

The outlet reported that the news crew was doing a live report about gun violence in the city at the corner of Clark and Hubbard Streets at around 7 a.m. when an individual walked behind Lum pointing what looks to be a handgun at the camera as he went past. In footage of the incident, the individual appears to mime firing two shots at the camera.

Lum does not appear to notice the individual, continuing her report on Chicago’s reaction to the elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, with the words, “our own gun violence here in Chicago.”

Neither journalist was injured, according to the outlet.

Police are attempting to identify the individual, whom they are referring to as a “person of interest” and who is accused of aggravated assault with a firearm, according to FOX 32.

Neither Lum, FOX 32 nor FOX News’ national office responded to requests for comment.

The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker catalogues press freedom violations in the United States. Email tips to [email protected].