(WASHINGTON)— PEN America released the following statement today in response to threats of violence aimed at Adam Zyglis, the Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist at The Buffalo News, who received death threats in a backlash over a cartoon about the Texas floods.
The Buffalo Newspaper Guild and Buffalo History Museum postponed an event at the museum because of safety concerns. Notably, the guild said the free event was intended to promote the need for safeguarding a strong, local free press.
“The threats against Adam Zyglis are a chilling attempt to intimidate an editorial cartoonist for doing his job,” said Tim Richardson, journalism and disinformation program manager at PEN America. “Political cartoons are an important form of social commentary that critique political leaders and public attitudes, often intended to spark discussion and reflection. That some have responded not with debate but with threats of violence reflects a dangerous climate of hostility toward a free and independent press, and a misunderstanding of an editorial cartoonist’s work. PEN America stands with Adam Zyglis and all journalists facing blatant efforts to intimidate them into silence.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], (201) 247-5057