U.S. Press Freedom Tracker

OC Weekly photographer Julie Leopo attacked at pro-Trump rally

Incident Details

Date of Incident
March 25, 2017

Assault

Was the journalist targeted?
Yes
REUTERS/Patrick T. Fallon

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.

— REUTERS/Patrick T. Fallon
March 25, 2017

Julie Leopo, a photographer for OC Weekly, was assaulted alongside OC Weekly photographer Brian Feinzimer and intern Frank Tristan on March 25, 2017, while covering a pro-Donald Trump march in Huntington Beach, California.

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. 

Leopo claims that she reported her attacker to a police officer, but the officer refused to write a report.

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