Dan Rather: Arrest Of CNN Crew ‘A Mark Of Tyranny’

Former CBS News anchor Dan Rather called the arrest Friday of a CNN crew covering protests—and police response—a “mark of tyranny” and said the action by State Patrol officers demands a “complete investigation and repercussions.”

CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez, who is black and Hispanic, and his crew were arrested on a public street while delivering a live report on protests over the death of George Floyd. CNN notes that while Jimenez was put in handcuffs and taken away, another CNN reporter, Josh Campbell—who is white—was working nearby and police left him alone.

On CNN Friday morning Campbell said he was “treated much differently. I’m sitting here talking to the National Guard, talking to the police. They’re asking politely to move here and there. A couple times I’ve moved closer than they would like. They asked politely to move back. They didn’t pull out the handcuffs. Lot different here than what Omar experienced.”

Jimenez and crew were later released, and the Minnesota State Police issued a statement saying the release came as soon as officers determined that they were journalists. This despite video showing clearly that Jimenez identified himself and displayed his credentials.

In a display of the power of live video, CNN left Jimenez’ camera shot up, even after the reporter had been taken away.

CNN president Jeff Zucker says he has spoken with the Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who Zucker says “deeply apologizes” for the arrests, which he called “unacceptable.”