Press Freedom Under Siege as LA Protests Intensify

Michael Nigro, a seasoned freelance photographer, was in his natural habitat, capturing images of a battalion of Los Angeles police as they faced off with protesters. In the midst of this, he was hit by a non-lethal bullet that made his head turn and his helmet sound a resonant ‘ding.’ Fortunately, the protective gear saved him from any lasting damage. Nigro described the episode from the ICE raids protest last Monday as a deliberate move to deter him, and others like him, from recording the unfolding events.

Supporters of free press attest that such instances have become typical in the frequently intense and sometimes tumultuous protests taking Los Angeles by storm in recent times. The authorities tasked with maintaining order at these demonstrations, they argue, often failed to display restraint or discern between potential threats and those merely chronicling the developments.

These unruly demonstrations, featuring prominently on cable television and various social media platforms in real-time, carry not only a strong sense of dramatic flair but also the potential for hostility from both ends of the spectrum. In certain instances, protesting individuals have resorted to violence, damaging and setting fire to vehicles.

However, several members of the media claim that it’s not simply the protesters who are to blame for the flare-ups. They recount instances where law enforcement officials reportedly played a role in escalating tensions, rather than merely trying to contain them — a narrative that challenges the official accounts.

Los Angeles Police Commissioner, Jim McDonnell, countered that narrative when speaking about the No Kings protests last Saturday. He insisted they began calmly, only turning chaotic when the attacking began, targeting officers from the LAPD, the LASD, and the California Highway Patrol. Protesters responded by suggesting that the change of tone was due to the imposed agitations of the law enforcement officials.

Even before the No Kings demonstrations took place, protests were sparked nationwide in response to President Trump’s immigration policies. These earlier protests were ignited when ICE agents began taking into custody individuals suspected of being in the country illegally, many with no criminal records or charges pending. However, these recent demonstrations have not yet risen to the same level of intensity.

Despite criticisms surrounding the involvement of federal forces, the majority of incidents flagged up by advocates for press freedom lie squarely with local L.A. law enforcement agencies. As Adam Rose, the press rights chair for the Los Angeles Press Club, notes, ‘This narrative isn’t a new one. History has a habit of repeating itself.’

According to Rose, localized departments like the LAPD and L.A. Sheriff’s Department have a history of detaining journalists, and at times, a cause of serious injury through their use of ‘less-lethal’ weapons. This situation is a far cry from the earlier times, when the local police and press shared a harmonious relationship.

Today, that relationship has significantly soured. On more than one occasion, photojournalists have been on the receiving end of ‘less-lethal’ rubber bullets fired by police officers — incidents that have not gone unnoticed by a national audience.

The incidents collected by the press club reveal alarming experiences from some journalists who believe they were intentionally targeted. One of these incidents demonstrated significant harm, with the journalist exhibiting a two-inch hole in their leg caused by a 40mm ‘less-lethal’ munition.

CNN journalists recount being escorted away from the protesting sites and areas of contention with their hands tied behind their back, though police clarified they were only being detained, not formally arrested. Among those having known the heat of these situations is Nigro, who concluded, ‘It feels like someone has a specific agenda against me.’

Nigro, in his recounting, adds that his experiences are not limited to the protests but span violent confrontations and warfare, including engagements in Ukraine. His helmet and flak jacket, clearly marked ‘press,’ and his possession of professional cameras, should be more than enough to identify him as a reporter in the field.

Nigro further articulates his concerns by stating that journalists are respectful and avoid obstructing the authorities in performing their duties during these volatile demonstrations. A headshot at a close range under these circumstances, he clarifies, gives a strong impression of it being a deliberate act.

The accounts narrated by journalists like Nigro and incidents compiled by the press club present a skeptical view of the local law enforcement authorities. These vehemently contradict the official narrative put forth by the authorities, thereby exacerbating the already tense circumstances of the protests.

These conflicting narratives between journalists and law enforcement in the backdrop of growing protests draw attention to the pressing issue of protecting press freedom. Concerted efforts need to be made to ensure the safety of journalists and their rights, even amidst heated demonstrations.