U.S. Press Freedom Tracker

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Physical Attack

  • 43 journalists have faced physical attacks in 2018
  • 5 journalists have been killed in 2018
  • 46 journalists faced physical attacks in 2017
  • Since 2017, 45 reporters have been attacked while covering protests
  • Since 2017, 2 reporters have been assaulted by politicians

Category Summary

Total cases 83
Journalists attacked in 2018 42
Journalists attacked in 2017 46
Greg Gianforte appears in court
  • Physical Attack

GOP Congressional candidate assaults Guardian U.S. reporter

May 25, 2017
Greg Gianforte won the special election, was only sentenced to community service and anger management classes, and now serves in the U.S. Congress
Alaska State Capitol, flags at half staff for Sen. Stevens
  • Physical Attack

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 …

Search Results Summary

Total Results 2
Journalists affected 2

How we track Physical Attacks

Journalists who face physical violence and injury or equipment damage, 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. 

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.

All Categories

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

U.S. Press Freedom Tracker is led by the Freedom of the Press Foundation and the Committee to Protect Journalists, in collaboration with leading press freedom groups.

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