Dear Members,
Today, attorneys representing the Los Angeles Press Club filed a complaint in federal court seeking to restrict use of force by LAPD on our members and fellow journalists. Recent police attacks on our colleagues while covering protests are both wrong and unlawful. Journalism is not a crime.
We hope for an injunction to protect the press from any police misconduct that prevents us from doing our jobs. Details will be addressed in court. We want our members to be aware that we are not seeking any money. Our organization is being represented pro bono, meaning lawyers are covering their own costs. We deeply appreciate their support.
This case is about LAPD, but if necessary, we are ready to take similar action to address misconduct toward journalists by other agencies.
An official press release and the full text of the complaint are available here.
To understand what our colleagues are going through, we are continually adding photo and video evidence to this slideshow.
Above all, we hope you and your colleagues are OK. Some of you are not. Please take time for self-care, your health and safety are more important than any story. If you need assistance or know someone who does, information on emergency grants and mental health support can be found on this page (which we don’t circulate as widely, but invite any journalists to use).
Remember to check our website, where the menu has a “resources” tab full of practical information.
If you have any questions or concerns, email pressrights@lapressclub.org. We also encourage anyone to share tips, evidence, or updates to that address, or you can submit this form.
Stay safe!
