United States: Photojournalist Julia Wall pushed by police during march to the poll demonstration.

November 4, 2020, North Carolina – Julia Wall, a photojournalist at News & Observer, was pushed by the police while covering a march to the poll held in Graham, North Carolina. The Coalition for Women in Journalism finds these brutal incidents intolerable, as it impedes a journalist’s ability to keep the public informed - a vital duty of their job. 

Photojournalist Julia Wall was prevented from filming the “I Am Change” march on October 31, 2020. A police officer took hold of Julia’s camera and proceeded to push her back while she recorded the demonstration in Graham, North Carolina. In the footage, the police officer grasps the lens of her camera while dispersing a crowd during the rally. 

According to the News & Observer, roughly 200 people were part of the demonstration, walking from Wayman Chapel AME Church to Court Square, the location of the Alamance County Courthouse and a confederate monument. Shortly thereafter, Graham Police Department ordered the protesters to disperse and began pepper-spraying the crowd.

According to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, nine journalists, including photojournalist Julia Wall, were affected by the chemical irritant. 

The Coalition for Women in Journalism finds the hostility towards journalists disgraceful to the principles of press freedom in the United States. Journalists need to be able to cover the protests safely and without obstruction.   The security forces responsible for these attacks, in attempts to interfere with journalists, should be investigated. We urge United States law enforcement to respect citizens’ first amendment rights and stop attacking journalists. 

Following the murder of George Floyd, demonstrations have spread across the United States. Numerous police forces have been deployed to these protest sites, while journalists face constant threats of violence from security forces. During Election Day and the following weeks, we will continue to monitor similar incidents targeting journalists. Nearly 40 women journalists have come across aggression and assaults while covering protests. CFWIJ follows these events closely with great concern.