Share

CNN crew covering unrest arrested in Minneapolis

Police arrested a CNN crew broadcasting live from the US city of Minneapolis early on Friday while covering unrest sparked by the death of a black man at the hands of law enforcement.

The crew was later released.

The network posted footage of correspondent Omar Jimenez speaking calmly to police with batons and riot helmets, then being handcuffed and taken away.

"Do you mind telling me why I am under arrest, sir," Jimenez is heard saying. "Why am I under arrest, sir?"

No answer was audible.

CNN said a producer and a camera operator working with Jimenez were also arrested.

Earlier, as Minnesota state police surrounded Jimenez while he reported, the correspondent spoke to the officers and said he wanted to cooperate.

"Wherever you want us, we would go," said Jimenez, who is black. CNN said in a tweet that a white reporter who was also on the ground covering the unrest was not arrested.

Jimenez was back on the air later Friday after police released him. CNN said Minnesota Governor Tim Walz apologized to the network.

Earlier, CNN put out a statement condemning the police behavior.

"A CNN reporter & his production team were arrested this morning in Minneapolis for doing their jobs, despite identifying themselves - a clear violation of their First Amendment rights," the network said.

Jimenez was in the city covering the third straight night of unrest triggered by the death of George Floyd after he was arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit banknote.

A video taken by a bystander shows an officer kneeling on his neck as he is pinned to the ground. At one point Floyd is heard saying he cannot breathe, and eventually his body goes limp.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
68% - 1982 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
32% - 946 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.58
+0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.25
+0.3%
Rand - Euro
19.89
+0.4%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.14
+0.0%
Rand - Yen
0.12
+1.1%
Platinum
963.10
+0.1%
Palladium
952.50
-0.3%
Gold
2,304.32
-0.7%
Silver
26.44
-0.7%
Brent Crude
83.44
-3.5%
Top 40
70,515
+0.8%
All Share
76,649
+0.8%
Resource 10
60,588
-1.1%
Industrial 25
106,289
+1.2%
Financial 15
16,880
+1.7%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE