Federal Judge Extends Protection for Journalists & protesters at Demonstrations
A federal judge has issued an order barring federal agents from targeting reporters,legal observers,adn peaceful protesters with crowd control weapons during demonstrations,stating the First Amendment “deserves better.” U.S. District Judge Hernán D.Vera extended restrictions initially put in place in July, citing a pattern of “indiscriminate and surprisingly savage” use of force.
The ruling follows arguments from lawyers representing the Department of Homeland Security and the City of Los Angeles, who claimed its often impossible to differentiate journalists from protesters during chaotic events and that a broad ban would endanger law enforcement. Judge Vera was unmoved, emphasizing that federal agents have “endangered large numbers of peaceful protestors…and journalists-as well as the public that relies on them to hold their government accountable.”
The order specifically prohibits the use of hard-foam projectile launchers, tear gas, stun grenades, and batons against these groups unless force is necessary to prevent “immediate and serious threat of physical harm.” A similar injunction was issued Thursday against the Los Angeles Police Department, prompted by incidents of reporters being injured by police batons less than a month after a temporary restraining order was first issued.
This decision is a important win for press rights organizations who argued judicial intervention was needed to address ongoing abuses. “As the federal government began its violent, chaotic invasion of Southern California, our communities have risen together to bear witness,” said Adrienna Wong of the ACLU of Southern California.
Judge Vera expects federal authorities to disseminate the order to all officers and agents in the field, and warned that launching tear gas canisters “directly at people…will undoubtedly chill the media’s efforts to cover these public events.” the ruling also extends protection to protesters who are not posing an imminent threat.
