Deputies in Compton in Los Angeles County arrested Josie Huang, a reporter for Southern California Public Radio KPCC and the community newspaper LAist overnight.
The arrest sparked swift reaction from the Los Angeles Chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association which called out what it considered an “excessive use of force” by five deputies.
Huang tweeted “Hi folks, I was trying to send this tweet before I was arrested and the video apparently just uploaded now.”
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department later told LAist they arrested Huang on suspicion of obstruction of justice by “interfering with a lawful arrest.” Huang denies that saying she was only trying to document the arrest of a protester.
Video of Huang’s arrest appears to show her with identification around her neck which is likely her reporter ID.
The situation outside St. Francis Medical Center was undoubtably tense as two deputies had undergone surgery after being ambushed.
Pictures posted of Huang on Twitter show her bruised on the ankle and on her hand. She has since been released from custody.
“Hi, all. I’m out of county jail and am headed home. Thank you for caring. I have seen @LASDHQ tweets and have thoughts and videos to share soon after a little rest,” Huang tweeted shortly before 5 a.m. Los Angles time this morning.
KPCC issued a statement expressing concern.
“We offer condolences to the two sheriff deputies who were shot Saturday evening. These are challenging and stressful times for everyone, but Josie Huang was arrested while doing her job. The charges should be dropped. Her arrest is the latest in a series of troubling interactions between our reporters and some local law enforcement officers. Journalists provide fair, accurate and timely journalism and without them, our democracy is at risk.”
AAJA released its statement late this morning.
“We stand in support of our fellow Asian American journalist. Video taken at the scene shows Huang was forcefully detained by at least five officers. Her arrest serves as a reminder of the risks that journalists face every day while reporting on the front lines during these uncertain times.
“We hold the LA County Sheriff’s Department accountable to provide answers for the excessive use of force in the detainment of our colleague. The Los Angeles chapter of AAJA demands an investigation and apology for her arrest. We will not stand idly by as the mistreatment of journalists, especially journalist of color, continues by law enforcement.
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AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our new Instagram account. Go to our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff, or submitting a story.