PEN America is deeply alarmed by reports that federal and local law enforcement officers used force, including rubber bullets and chemical munitions, that caused injuries to members of the press covering the recent protests in Los Angeles. Several reporters were injured, and others faced barriers to access that prevented them from reporting freely due to law enforcement actions. Journalists, including student journalists, are fulfilling a vital public duty by documenting events and keeping the public informed. Reporting the news is not a crime, but a core function of a free and democratic society.
As journalists covering the protests in Los Angeles face escalating violence from law enforcement—and in anticipation of additional protests in the days ahead—we’re sharing a list of safety resources below through our partnership with the Journalist Assistance Network.
If you’re a journalist covering protests and need emergency assistance, reach out to:
- CPJ’s Emergencies team [email protected] for emergency assistance or safety advice, with additional information here.
- RCFP’s Legal Hotline (1-800-336-4243) – including if you are arrested, detained, attacked, or facing other press freedom violations.
- IMWF’s U.S. Journalism Emergency Fund for emergency grants to journalists targeted for their reporting (eg, medical bills, damaged equipment, etc.).
If you’re a journalist looking for guidance about protecting and preparing yourself to cover protests:
- CPJ’s guides on Safely Covering Protests, Arrest and Detention, and Guide to PPE for advice on digital and physical safety, including interacting with law enforcement and choosing the right safety equipment to protect yourself.
- RCFP’s Police, Protests, and the Press guide to help you understand your legal rights.
- FPF’s guide on protecting your devices during protests.
- IWMF’s 1:1 Safety Consultations for individualized safety support (note: this is not an emergency helpline).
- PEN America, CPJ, and IWMF’s safety webinars and tipsheets on risk assessment and physical safety, combatting online abuse, and protecting your digital footprint (note: these were initially created for the 2024 election, but have evergreen information on covering civil unrest).
- PEN America’s Field Manual against online harassment for tips on how to protect yourself in the face of online threats, doxing, and other abusive tactics.
- Student Press Law Center’s Legal Hotline – for student journalists with legal questions and concerns.
If you’re a journalist who has been attacked and wants to document that incident:
- California Press Rights Tracker: to report incidents to this database run by the Los Angeles Press Club, email [email protected] or DM Adam Rose (LAPC’s press rights chair) on his social media channels @adjoro.
- The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker tracks arrests, equipment seizures, assaults, and interrogations of journalists in the U.S.
