During protests on Friday night journalists who were present past curfew covering the events unfolding across Brooklyn Center were detained and photographed by police officers in order to “expedite the identification process” and verify they were members of the press.
In a press release, the Minnesota State Patrol stated that this was done in response to feedback that was received during the George Floyd protests and was an attempt to not detain journalists for long periods of time. This however will not be a continued practice moving forward.
“Following feedback from media, and in light of a recent temporary restraining order (TRO) filed in federal court, MSP will not photograph journalists or their credentials. However, troopers will continue to check credentials so media will not be detained any longer than is necessary,” the press release said.
The temporary restraining order comes after the ACLU of Minnesota wrote a letter to U.S District Court Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright, who issued it. The order now bars state law enforcement from interfering with the press while covering protests.
Following the events of last night, Governor Tim Walz participated in a call with his staff and other media representatives today took to Twitter to share the importance of the press and ensure the press that they will be exempt from any dispersal orders and that they will no longer be photographed.
After meeting with members of the media, several news organizations came together in a letter to Governor Walz. The letter was written by Leita Walker on the behalf of media outlets including The Associated Press, CBS Broadcasting Inc. Dow Jones & Company, Gannett Co. Star Tribune Media Company LLC, Twin Cities Public Television, and more.
In the letter to Walz, Walker opened by thanking him for taking the time to speak with members of the media. Walker then immediately shared the nearly 30 local and national news organizations concerns for what has happened over the last week.
Walker cited the first amendment and the presses robust right of access to gather and report the news without fear of intrusion or interference by law enforcement.
Walker began to discuss seven different occurrences of law enforcement infringing on the presses right to work freely and times when they were targeted by Minnesota police officers.
Then Walker began discussing the incident that happened on Friday night.
“Whatever the intent behind this ‘cataloging’ of journalist, it was deeply disturbing for those involved, and it has caused much fear regarding what use might be made of these photographs accompanying identifying information in the future, including full names, dates of birth, and home addresses,” Walker said in the letter.
Walz has yet to make a statement in response to the letter. To read the entirety of the letter visit https://tinyurl.com/nj65fme4.
