United States: CFWIJ Condemns Trump Supporters’ Harassment Of CBC Journalist Katie Nicholson
Location: United States
Date: January 7, 2021
January 7, 2021 - CBC journalist Katie Nicholson was reporting live when she was suddenly swarmed by a mob of angry Trump supporters. Meagan Fitzpatrick, a Toronto resident, shared a video on Twitter where Katie Nicholson can be seen helpless while hostile Trump supporters gather around her, hurling insults. Katie and her crew stood their ground but were unable to continue reporting amidst the threatening chaos.
CBC’s Katie Nicholson is trying to inform Canadians about what’s happening on the streets of DC & is swarmed & harassed & prevented from doing her job. Thinking of her & all the journalists working hard & putting themselves at risk today to cover this historic story. Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/9OK96ahs94
— Meagan Fitzpatrick (@fitz_meagan) January 6, 2021
Meagan Fitzpatrick later tweeted that Katie was unharmed and came back on air after a short break. Katie Nicholson has been reporting on the ground since the insurrection started on Capitol Hill, and spread to the streets of Washington D.C.
And for those asking yes @KatieNicholson is fine and was back again live on air shortly after she was harassed on air. Thankful for her and all the journalists working hard under difficult circumstances today in DC pic.twitter.com/iOb5Dr1x18
— Meagan Fitzpatrick (@fitz_meagan) January 6, 2021
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is deeply concerned for all the women journalists risking their safety to report in such hazardous conditions. We condemn the intimidating and insulting behaviour that journalists must endure in the line of work. We urge authorities to implement proper practices and act accordingly to ensure the safety of the press.
The CFWIJ strongly condemns the police brutality against journalists. We demand the immediate return of the press cards seized from the security forces. Policies to intimidate journalists should be abandoned, and journalism should be practiced under the criteria of freedom of the press.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.
