U.S. Press Freedom Tracker

Journalist Adam Schrader arrested at Standing Rock

Incident Details

Date of Incident
October 27, 2016
Location
Morton County, North Dakota
Targets
Adam Schrader (Independent)

Arrest/Criminal Charge

Arrest Status
Arrested and released
Arresting Authority
Morton County Sheriff's Department
Charges
Unnecessary use of force?
No
Equipment Seized
Status of Seized Equipment
Unknown
Search Warrant Obtained
No
Adam Schrader
— Adam Schrader
August 21, 2017 - Update

All charges against Schrader dropped

On Aug. 21, 2017, Schrader announced on Twitter that all of the charges against him had been dropped.

October 27, 2016

Adam Schrader, an independent journalist who contributes to the New York Daily News and other outlets, was arrested on Oct. 27, 2016 while filming clashes between police and protesters. Schrader told the Bismarck Tribune that he was arrested after asking a police officer about the use of pepper spray against protesters.

Schrader was initially charged with endangering by fire or explosion (a class C felony), maintaining a public nuisance (a class A misdemeanor), and engaging in a riot (a class B misdemeanor). The felony endangerment charge was dropped in November 2016, though he still faces the misdemeanor charges. If convicted, he faces one year and 30 days imprisonment and a $4,500 fine.

Police impounded Schrader's rental car following his arrest. Schrader told the Tribune that some items he left in the car — including a notebook and a $400 voice recorder — disappeared while the car was in police custody. A police spokeswoman told the Tribune that police did not search or take any evidence from cars that were impounded.

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

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