CINCINNATI (CN) — Journalists and other observers shouldn’t face arbitrary arrest when Tennessee police clear public areas during official business, Gannett and other national media outlets argued Wednesday before a Sixth Circuit panel.
The companies filed a federal lawsuit against several state officials and John Drake, Nashville police chief, in 2025, claiming the Tennessee Bystander Interference Act violates their First Amendment rights
The law allows police to establish a 25-foot buffer zone during traffic stops, arrests and other official business. Anyone who violates police orders to stay away can be arrested and criminally prosecuted.
The outlets argue that while reporters are routinely asked to give police room, they used to have options; now, they can be subject to six months imprisonment or a fine of up to $500 if they don’t move.
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