The IAPE 1096, the union that represents Wall Street Journal reporters, sent out the following message on Monday:
IAPE Local 1096 strongly condemns the assault by officers of the New York City Police Department on Wall Street Journal reporter and IAPE member Tyler Blint-Welsh while he was covering protests in New York on Sunday night. Tyler clearly identified himself as a journalist and was following police instructions when he was hit in the face with riot shields and pushed to the ground.
As journalists, our duty is to report what happens without getting involved. We don’t seek to be part of the news, but any attack on a reporter is an attack on the free press and is unacceptable. We call on the NYPD to hold those responsible for the assault on our colleague accountable for their actions.
Lost my glasses and my ankle is in searing pain after NYPD hit me in the face multiple times with riot shields and pushed me to the ground. I was backing away as request, with my hands up. My NYPD-issued press badge was clearly visible. I’m just sitting here crying. This sucks.
— Tyler Blint-Welsh (@tylergabriel_) June 1, 2020
