The Hill reports that a security guard who was working for CNN is suing two Minnesota state troopers for $1 million after they arrested him while he was helping the network with its coverage of the George Floyd protests last year.
Last week, Michael Cooper filed a suit, alleging state trooper Patrick Kelly and another unnamed trooper arrested him on May 30th due to allegations of breaking curfew and illegally carrying concealed firearms despite working as a security guard contracted to protect CNN journalists.
“The selective arresting of Black media members was not coincidental,” the court filing reads. “It was intentional and racially motivated.”
The suit states Cooper tried to escort the crew to safety after it ran into a barrage of tear gas while a rubber bullet struck one of the journalists. Also, the lawsuit claims the troopers didn’t arrest anyone else from the CNN crew he was supporting, all of which white and in the same area.
Cooper looks for $500,000 in damages for detaining him unlawfully and using unnecessary force and $500,000 for violating his First Amendment rights while working as a member of the press.
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
