LA Press Club Files Federal Lawsuit Against LAPD Over Journalist Attacks During Protests

The Los Angeles Press Club and the independent media outlet Status Coup have filed a federal lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department and the city, alleging that police used excessive force against journalists covering recent immigration protests. The lawsuit, led by the First Amendment Coalition, claims that officers targeted reporters with less-lethal munitions, horse charges, and arrests, violating press rights under California and federal law. Multiple incidents cited include a CNN reporter being handcuffed, an Australian correspondent being struck by a rubber bullet, and a New York Times reporter being shot in the hip with a non-lethal round. The lawsuit argues that the LAPD's actions reflect an intent to prevent public scrutiny of police conduct and constitute an institutional failure to protect journalists. Despite millions invested in training officers on safely working with the press following the 2020 protests and Senate Bill 98, these rights have not been upheld during the recent unrest. The legal action seeks to stop the LAPD from continuing unconstitutional acts against journalists and to safeguard press freedom amid ongoing civil demonstrations.