‘Total BS’: Minnesota Police Issue Dubious Statement on Arrest of CNN Crew as Outrage Grows Over Shocking Detainment
The Minnesota State Patrol is drawing heavy criticism for a statement they issued after arresting CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez, producer Bill Kirkos and photojournalist Leonel Mendez live on air Friday morning.
In a comment posted to Twitter, the Minnesota State Patrol said, “In the course of clearing the streets and restoring order at Lake Street and Snelling Avenue, four people were arrested by State Patrol troopers, including three members of a CNN crew. The three were released once they were confirmed to be members of the media.”
In the course of clearing the streets and restoring order at Lake Street and Snelling Avenue, four people were arrested by State Patrol troopers, including three members of a CNN crew. The three were released once they were confirmed to be members of the media.
— MN State Patrol (@MnDPS_MSP) May 29, 2020
Jimenez repeatedly identified himself as a member of the media prior to the arrest, and displayed his press badge from CNN as confirmation. This was in addition to the fact that the exchange took place live on air.
The explanation was swiftly panned by a host of prominent observers.
If this is the statement when everyone can see the truth live on CNN for themselves, what happens when the camera is off? https://t.co/MyWtL8rhT4
— Laura Jarrett (@LauraAJarrett) May 29, 2020
This statement makes no sense. They identified themselves on live television as members of the media before the arrest. We need a better explanation than this. https://t.co/ttmsMPj3fE
— Kat Stafford (@kat__stafford) May 29, 2020
We watched the arrest live. It was clear they were journalists. https://t.co/aNrMy4nWCB
— Cathy Wurzer (@CathyWurzer) May 29, 2020
Because the big ol’ camera (rolling live on air all over the world) didn’t give that away… https://t.co/NvJApX4e7W
— Stephanie Hegarty (@stephhegarty) May 29, 2020
They didn’t just (repeatedly) identify themselves, the reporter was holding a mic and talking into a camera, along with two crew members…
There shouldn’t have been any confusion.
Perhaps a review of their radio transmissions will clarify who issued the order to arrest. https://t.co/TwjCs7tFzt
— Steven Portnoy (@stevenportnoy) May 29, 2020
We have some follow-up questions. https://t.co/2UevztMn3C
— Susan Page (@SusanPage) May 29, 2020
Total BS. What did they think they TV cameras and microphones were for? According to @OmarJimenez, the arresting officer told him: "I'm just following orders." https://t.co/ale9pdgh2P
— Josh Rogin (@joshrogin) May 29, 2020
Omar was holding up his press credential on live TV. https://t.co/lTRXttUppD
— adam harris (@AdamHSays) May 29, 2020
We watched it LIVE. This is not what happened. https://t.co/gjto23GCLN
— S.E. Cupp (@secupp) May 29, 2020
We saw it https://t.co/Giputhl6bz
— Steadman™ (@AsteadWesley) May 29, 2020
Omar Jimenez and crew were heard saying they were journalists and were seen showing credentials on on-air prior to being arrested. https://t.co/CAE9CWviQA
— Ana Cabrera (@AnaCabrera) May 29, 2020
You lie. https://t.co/dZZGAcPY0R
— Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) May 29, 2020
More nonsense. Crew identified themselves immediately at the scene, both verbally and with credentials. And of course, there was a whole set of equipment such as camera, lights, cabling, microphones, etc., that should have also served as a clear identifier. https://t.co/9audAfe8Om
— Eric Fisher (@EricFisherSBG) May 29, 2020
His press pass was clearly visible
This is bullshit https://t.co/ODEYEtggep
— Saagar Enjeti (@esaagar) May 29, 2020
They were carrying cameras and had IDs. Couldn’t have been that hard to crack the code. https://t.co/A6bycAu0ko
— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) May 29, 2020
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