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Crime, Law and Justice
Riham Feshir

Duluth police investigating attack on photojournalist

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Updated: 1:16 p.m.

Duluth police are investigating an attack on a WCCO-TV photojournalist who was covering President Donald Trump's rally Wednesday.

Dymanh Chhoun was on assignment when a Trump supporter, who was confronting Joe Biden supporters, hit the camera phone out of Chhoun's hand. 

The man was seen on video saying “You guys want to be peaceful? Be peaceful. You want to be violent? Come to me.”

WCCO says Chhoun identified himself as media and was recording the video in a public space. He was not injured.

Chhoun's attack comes at a time when journalists are increasingly concerned about their safety out in the field. Newsrooms are providing situational awareness training to help reporters stay vigilant while reporting in volatile circumstances. 

This also comes at a time when President Trump continues to criticize mainstream media. On Wednesday, he falsely claimed that news organizations support rioting and looting. 

“These are the same media outlets cheering violent demonstrations in the streets, CNN, the New York Times. They think rioting is just, ‘OK, just do whatever you want,’” Trump said, as the crowd booed. “Do whatever you want. Can you go to church? No. Can you go to restaurants? No.”

Chhoun’s colleagues took to Twitter to voice their support for who they said is one of the most hard-working journalists around. They said Chhoun, who is originally from Cambodia, is quick to go cover an assignment without hesitation.

The Asian American Journalists Association also released a statement Thursday condemning the attack on Chhoun.

"AAJA stands in solidarity with our fellow journalists, and condemns threats and attacks that interfere with journalists' right to do their jobs without fearing for their safety," AAJA wrote. "The press is not the enemy — it serves a fundamental role in a democracy by informing the public and holding powerful people and institutions accountable. Any threat to the press is a threat to a free society, free speech and the First Amendment."

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