U.S. Press Freedom Tracker

Photojournalist Nebyou Solomon arrested at Trump rally

Incident Details

Date of Incident
April 15, 2017
Location
Las Vegas, Nevada
Case number
2:19-cv-00652
Case Status
Ongoing
Type of case
Civil

Arrest/Criminal Charge

Charges
Unnecessary use of force?
No
REUTERS/David Becker

Las Vegas police stand between protesters against and supporters of the election of Republican Donald Trump as President of the United States on Nov. 12, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

— REUTERS/David Becker
April 17, 2019 - Update

Solomon files First Amendment lawsuit against Las Vegas police

Solomon filed a federal civil rights and First Amendment lawsuit against the Las Vegas police, among others, alleging violations of due process and unlawful search and seizure.

According to Lincoln Journal Star, Solomon's attorney Margaret McLetchie said on April 17, 2019, that Solomon was doing his job on a public sidewalk when he was detained.

Further review of the lawsuit in December 2021 showed that the Clark County District Attorney’s Office had declined to pursue criminal charges against Solomon. The Tracker has changed the status of his charges from “unknown” to “dropped.”

April 15, 2017

Nebyou Solomon, a photojournalist for 8 News Now, was arrested on April 15, 2017, while documenting a rally held outside Trump International Hotel Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department released a statement saying that Solomon continued recording from private property belonging to the Fashion Show Mall after security officers requested him to move. Amy Rose, of the ACLU's Nevada chapter, said that Solomon was recording from a sidewalk.

Solomon was released eight hours later on the night of his arrest. He was charged with trespassing and obstruction of a police officer.

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