Journalists Allege Unlawful Use of Force by LAPD

Introduction to the Lawsuit

The Los Angeles Press Club and investigative reporting network Status Coup on Monday sued the Los Angeles Police Department and its chief, alleging in federal court that reporters’ rights were violated by police while covering recent immigration raids and subsequent civil unrest.

“Being a journalist in Los Angeles is now a dangerous profession,” according to the suit.

Background of the Case

“This case responds to the continuing abuse, including the use of excessive force, by Los Angeles Police Department officers during recent protests… These journalists were not engaged in protest or unlawful activity and were exercising their First Amendment rights and safeguarding the First Amendment rights of all members of the community.”
Plaintiffs contend that the LAPD “has a long and entrenched history of using force to obstruct freedom of the press” and the recent protests “continues this long and disgraceful history of unconstitutional actions against journalists.”

Response from the LAPD

An LAPD representative said the department does not comment on pending litigation.

Parties Involved

The suit was filed on behalf of the Los Angeles Press Club, which has more than 1,000 member journalists and news organizations in Southern California.
Status Coup is an independent investigative reporting network and media outlet that focuses on in-field and investigative work.

Allegations of Excessive Force

Status Coup reporters were allegedly subjected to excessive force, including being struck by various “less-lethal” projectiles as they attempted to record the LAPD officers’ response to the protests.
In addition, the group’s reporters were barred by the LAPD from areas of the protests where, by law, they should have been permitted access, the lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles federal court, alleges.
Journalists covering protests have also been charged by horses and forcibly prevented from filming, the First Amendment Coalition said in a Monday statement.

Relief Sought

The suit seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction against the LAPD, a judge’s finding that the defendants’ alleged conduct violated federal and state constitutional and statutory laws, and other relief the court deems proper.

Conclusion

The lawsuit filed by the Los Angeles Press Club and Status Coup against the LAPD highlights the challenges faced by journalists in covering protests and immigration raids. The allegations of excessive force and obstruction of freedom of the press are serious and warrant a thorough investigation. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the rights of journalists and the public’s access to information.

FAQs

Q: Who filed the lawsuit against the LAPD?

A: The Los Angeles Press Club and investigative reporting network Status Coup filed the lawsuit.

Q: What are the allegations against the LAPD?

A: The allegations include excessive force, obstruction of freedom of the press, and violation of federal and state constitutional and statutory laws.

Q: What relief is being sought in the lawsuit?

A: The suit seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction against the LAPD, a judge’s finding that the defendants’ alleged conduct violated federal and state constitutional and statutory laws, and other relief the court deems proper.

Q: How will the outcome of this case impact journalists and the public?

A: The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the rights of journalists and the public’s access to information, particularly in the context of covering protests and immigration raids.