We will not let these abuses go unanswered.

ACLU Supporter – Late last night, the ACLU of Minnesota filed a lawsuit on behalf of journalists who were targeted and attacked by police for covering protests over the killing of George Floyd.

Our power to collectively demand racial justice and an end to police brutality is rooted in our First Amendment right to free speech and the press's ability to bear witness.

Police are using violence and threats against protesters and press to undermine that power. We cannot let that happen. So we're suing – starting with Minnesota.

The lead plaintiff in this case is Jared Goyette, a journalist covering the demonstrations who was shot in the face with a rubber bullet when trying to document efforts to shield and help an injured protester. He'd informed the police that he was a member of the media covering the demonstrations.

Jared's account is anything but unique. In Minnesota alone, police have fired rubber bullets at journalists – blinding one in the eye. Police have tear-gassed reporters, pepper-sprayed them in the face, and thrown flash grenades directly at them. On top of this excessive violence, police have attempted to silence the press through unconstitutional arrests.

Attacks like these are being reported across the country. When journalists can't do their job, law enforcement and other officials act with impunity – endangering everyone who advocates for change.

We continue to witness violent attacks on Black and Brown bodies. We witness law enforcement officers – who are charged with keeping us safe – drive into protestors and fire rubber bullets without warning. We witness President Trump's violent and divisive speech when he threatens to deploy the military domestically and designate protesters as terrorists, and when he commands the use of tear gas to make way for a photo shoot.

We will continue to bear witness. And we will hold these powers accountable. This is the first of many lawsuits the ACLU intends to file across the country.

To the law enforcement officers who target journalists and try to silence us: We will see you in court. To the journalists risking their lives to keep the public informed and bear witness – and to everyone exercising their right to free speech as we pursue justice: Stay safe. We thank you, and we've got your back.

Brian Hauss
ACLU Attorney, defending free speech

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