George Floyd death: CNN reporter arrested live on-air during third day of Minneapolis riots | London Evening Standard

George Floyd death: CNN reporter arrested live on-air during third day of Minneapolis riots

Allow Exco Player content

This content is provided by Exco Player and may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to load the content.

A CNN reporter was arrested live on-air during the third day of riots in Minneapolis over the death of George Floyd.

Omar Jimenez was handcuffed as he did a piece to camera on Friday on the front line of clashes between demonstrators and police in the city.

CNN said two members of his production crew were also arrested while covering the skirmishes.

The network's anchor Hala Gorani said the trio have now been released.

Read More

Mr Floyd died after his neck was knelt on for nine minutes by a police officer in the city on Monday.

He had been arrested for allegedly using a fake $20 bank note.

CNN said in a statement after the arrest: "A CNN reporter and his production team were arrested this morning in Minneapolis for doing their jobs, despite identifying themselves - a clear violation of their First Amendment rights.

"The authorities in Minnesota, including the Governor, must release the 3 CNN employees immediately."

CNN producer Sam Fernando praised the Mr Jimenez for being "completely respectful and cooperative" as he was detained.

It comes on the third day of furious protests across the US over Mr Floyd's death that have seen thousands take to the streets, sparked by a video showing 48-year-old Mr Floyd pinned to the ground saying he could not breathe.

Last night some 500 National Guard troops were deployed in Minneapolis and surrounding areas and a police station was torched.

The US President described the protesters as "thugs" on Friday, claiming the situation was "dishonouring the memory" of Mr Floyd, who died in police custody after he was restrained by four officers.

Thousands have taken to the streets in riots across the US over George Floyd's deathAFP via Getty Images

Mr Trump posted on Twitter: "These THUGS are dishonouring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way.

"Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!"

But shortly after, Twitter hid the tweet and added the message: "This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible."