United States: CFWIJ condemns the assault on Adaure Achumba

March 30, 2021- Adaure Achumba, the reporter for WFMY News 2, was impeded on the street while she was about to broadcast live from Elm Street, Greensboro. As the reporter was preparing her shot, a woman came from behind and shouted in her ear. Upon inquiring why she did so, the unidentified woman threatened Adaure and spat on her face shield. Photojournalist Sean Higgins, who was accompanying Adaure for live coverage, came to her rescue. The attacker eventually walked away. A complaint was filed with the police, and they are looking for the woman. CFWIJ condemns the attack on Adaure and its interference in her work. We hope the police apprehend the assailant and hold her accountable for the assault.

Adaure was startled when a woman shouted in her ear, leaving her in shock. Photojournalist and her co-worker Sean Higgins stepped in to help, and the woman ran from the scene. Greensboro Police are pressing charges of assault and looking for the unknown woman with the help of captured footage. Both Adaure and Sean are doing fine and were not harmed during the incident. 

WFMY News stated, “We did not share this story because this has happened to one of our own, but because it should not happen to anyone in public spaces. Everyone should feel safe in the street whether someone is passing by or doing their job.” The news outlet further emphasized that millions of people work in public spaces across the United States, and they share a community with people around them. No matter what your job is, everyone deserves respect. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns that attack on Adaure Achumba and hopes the police will soon apprehend the woman. We offer our support to Adaure and all hard-working women journalists working in the field despite the harassment and intimidation they endure. We urge law enforcement to establish strict laws to deter such incidents of assault and humiliation.