WABC reporter Tim Fleischer punched by stranger in New York City - U.S. Press Freedom Tracker

WABC reporter Tim Fleischer punched by stranger in New York City

April 27, 2018

Tim Fleischer, a reporter for WABC’s Eyewitness News, was punched in the face by a stranger while he was conducting in an interview in Queens, New York, on April 10, 2018.
According to the New York Daily News, Fleischer was filming a segment in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens, when a man ran up to him and socked him in the face around noon.

The man was arrested soon after the attack and charged with assault and harassment. Fleischer was taken to a local hospital received medical treatment for a minor injury.

Fleischer later tweeted about the attack.

Overwhelmed! @TimFleischer7 can’t believe the outpouring of concerns, very kind comments and well wishes from each of you Many many thanks Feeling better today Can’t wait to get back to the streets of #nyc #abc7ny
— Tim Fleischer (@TimFleischer7) April 11, 2018

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

Related Incidents

Man attacks WXYZ news truck

Local TV reporter Nia Harden and photojournalist Mike Krotche attacked in Detroit

August 2, 2018

While reporter Nia Harden was sitting inside a WXYZ news truck, a man smashed the windshield with a metal baton.

Alaska State Capitol, flags at half staff for Sen. Stevens

Alaska state senator slaps journalist

May 18, 2017

Alaska Dispatch News journalist Nathaniel Herz was slapped by Alaska state senator David Wilson on the main stairs of the …

More related incidents

Date of Incident	April 10, 2018
Targets	Tim Fleischer
Affiliation	WABC
Location	Queens, New York
Last Updated	April 27, 2018
Assailant	Private individual
Was the journalist targeted?	No

How we track Physical Attacks

Journalists who face physical violence and injury, either as the result of a targeted attack by a public or private individual or in the course of their work. If a journalist is hit by rubber bullets or bean bag rounds, it will be counted in this category.

Damage to equipment is counted in a separate "Equipment Damage" category, but may be also listed in this Physical Attack category if the damage occurs with an attack.

Journalists affected by tear gas, pepper spray, or other mass riot control agents will be counted if the individual suffers serious injury or appears to have been specifically targeted. Incidents that fall outside these parameters and in which multiple journalists were affected by riot control agents may be counted in the “Other” category.

More Physical Attacks