U.S. Press Freedom Tracker

Assault

Total Incidents: 1424

Data Tracked For This Category

Journalists who face physical violence, 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 Assault 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.

Recent Incidents

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Articles About Assault

  2. Teaser image for April newsletter - hex map of 2026 aggressions

    Press ‘brutalized’ covering LA protests

    The majority of press freedom aggressions documented so far in 2026 have occurred in California and Minnesota, both of which saw protests around federal immigration operations.

    Published
    Written by
    Kirstin McCudden

Learn More About Our Categories

Arrest/Criminal Charge Assault Border Stop Chilling Statement Denial of Access Equipment Damage Equipment Search or Seizure Leak Case Prior Restraint Subpoena/Legal Order Other Incident