The recent events in Los Angeles have gotten so dire that it’s reached a point where you’re watching the news and the reporter becomes part of the story.
CNN National Correspondent Jason Carroll inadvertently became the headline on the evening of June 9. Carroll was covering the LA protests live when he was detained by the LAPD. The moment was captured on video and posted to CNN’s TikTok account. He can be seen calmly explaining to officers what he’s doing at the frontlines, identifying himself and his role, and stating what he’s trying to accomplish.
The comments were, expectedly, a mess. Every single person in the comment section wanted to know if this is what freedom of the press now looks like. Alarm bells were ringing. One commenter simply said, “America, you are in trouble.” Another asked why journalists were being arrested for doing their job. But the one that really captured the mood wrote, “1st AMENDMENT! America, we are in trouble!!!!!”
People are rightfully concerned. This isn’t the first case of the protests spiraling out of control. There has already been a back-and-forth between Governor Gavin Newsom and President Trump. Newsom accused the president of overstepping his authority by deploying the National Guard and has announced plans to sue him for the situation he believes Trump created. It’s worth noting that this entire show of force has only led to 118 arrests, according to the BBC, prompting questions from both critics and some Trump supporters about whether the ends justify such drastic — and arguably inhumane — means. It certainly doesn’t match up to their claims of trying to save federal funds.
Carroll was reportedly told by LAPD officers that they’d let him go, but only on the condition that he leave the scene and not return. However, Deadline reported that while Carroll himself was released, two members of his crew were actually arrested.
This is not an isolated incident. These particular protests have seen an Australian journalist hit by a rubber bullet. A British reporter sustained a leg wound that required emergency treatment.
Now, the Los Angeles Press Club, along with 26 other press and civil liberties groups, has had enough. They’ve banded together and written a strongly worded letter to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—who is no stranger to controversies involving the violation of rights. The coalition is simply stating what is clear to anyone watching: they’re deeply concerned that the federal government is violating the First Amendment.
Meanwhile, Trump and Newsom are already at loggerheads over state funding. There’s a growing sense, even among Trump’s supporters, of federal overreach. And questions are mounting—what exactly is Trump leading, and where is he taking the country?
As a reminder no one outside the government should need, the First Amendment explicitly protects the freedom of the press. The press is mentioned by name. Trump’s administration has exploited every possible legal wiggle room over the past few years, but this—this is clear. Journalists should never have to worry about their safety or freedom. Because, ultimately, that’s how the truth is protected.
