Statement from the Minnesota journalism community on the recent arrests of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort

The Minnesota Star Tribune, Minnesota Public Radio, the Minnesota Reformer, Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder and Center for Broadcast Journalism have released a statement about the arrest of journalists Georgia Fort and Don Lemon.

In addition to the above outlets referenced earlier, the following organizations have signed on to this statement:

“We strongly condemn the arrest of journalists Georgia Fort and Don Lemon, as well as any attempt to intimidate members of the press. The First Amendment recognizes the press as holding a distinct and protected role in our democracy. In America, we do not arrest journalists for doing their jobs. The Minnesota journalism community and our national partners stand united in defense of press freedom and the essential role reporting plays in holding power to account.”

Individuals and organizations wishing to sign on and show their support may do so here.

Signatory Organizations

American Society of Journalists and Authors
Asian American Journalists Association
Association of Health Care Journalists
Center for Broadcast Journalism
City Cast Twin Cities
Defending Rights & Dissent
Dodge County Independent
Eden Prairie Local News
FOX 9
Institute for Nonprofit News
Iron Range Today
KAXE / KBXE
Lake County Press/CherryRoad Media
Midwest Broadcast News Association
Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal
Minnesota Broadcasters Association
Minnesota High School Press Association
Minnesota Journalism Center
Minnesota Newspaper Association
Minnesota Public Radio
Minnesota Reformer
Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Minnesota Star Tribune
Minnesota Women's Press
MinnPost
MN NABJ
Newsleaders of Sartell-St. Stephen & St. Joseph
North News
PEN America
Prior Lake News Compass
Project Optimist
Racket
Radio Television Digital News Association
Red Canary Magazine
Report for America, an Initiative of Report Local
Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law
SPEAK MPLS
St. Paul Neighborhood Network/SPNN
Steele County Times
The Pivot Fund
The Reporters Inc.
The staff of North News - David Pierini, editor, Azhae’la Hanson, reporter and Melody Hoffmann, reporter
ThreeSixty Journalism
Tiny News Collective
TMC Publications CO
Twin Cities PBS
West St. Paul Reader
Whistleblower & Source Protection Program (WHISPeR) at ExposeFacts
(WHISPeR) at ExposeFacts