Women Press Freedom views decision as positive step in addressing law enforcement's mistreatment of press

Location: United States, Minneapolis

Date: March 27, 2024

Although state agencies are not admitting wrongdoing, Women Press Freedom celebrates the recent $1.2 million settlement reached by journalists Carolyn Cole and Molly Hennessy-Fiske with the Minnesota State Patrol as a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for press freedom and journalist safety in the United States. This settlement, stemming from the violent mistreatment of the journalists by law enforcement officers during the 2020 Minneapolis protests, marks a significant acknowledgment of the risks journalists face while covering critical events. Following similar settlements in Minneapolis and Los Angeles, however, it is evident there is a pressing need for systemic change in how law enforcement interacts with the press, especially during civil unrest; attacks against journalists are unacceptable and cannot occur with impunity.

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On March 27, 2024, journalists Carolyn Cole and Molly Hennessy-Fiske announced they had reached a $1.2 million settlement with the Minnesota State Patrol, stemming from their assault at the hands of officers during protests in 2020.

“I hope that this settlement serves as a deterrent and protects other journalists. Law-abiding reporters and photographers should never be blindsided, assaulted, and injured by law enforcement for doing their job,” wrote Hennessy-Fiske following the agreement.

In the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in 2020, Minneapolis became a focal point of protests against police brutality, attracting media attention from around the world. Journalists Carolyn Cole and Molly Hennessy-Fiske, who were both working for the LA Times, were targeted by Minnesota State troopers while positioned across the street from protesters near the Fifth Precinct police headquarters on May 30, 2020.

Despite clearly identifying themselves as journalists with visible press gear, including flak jackets, cameras, and press badges, they were cornered and assaulted by troopers. Pulitzer-winning journalist Cole suffered a corneal abrasion and chemical burns, while Hennessy-Fiske was shot multiple times with projectiles and tear gas canisters, causing injuries requiring medical treatment.

The journalists filed a federal lawsuit against the Minnesota State Patrol, alleging violations of their First Amendment rights. The $1.2 million settlement was reached without an admission of wrongdoing by the state agency. Most of the settlement will cover legal fees, with the remainder compensating the journalists for their injuries and trauma.

“During my nearly 25-year career, I have covered numerous law enforcement agencies and protests in various states and overseas. This was the first time that I was attacked by authorities,” Hennessy-Fiske wrote in a statement following the announcement of the settlement.

Carolyn Cole expressed her hope that the ruling would protect other journalists from similar assaults. “Being attacked by the Minneapolis State Patrol four years ago was an experience no other journalist should have to face,” stated Cole.

“I hope this ruling, upholding our 1st Amendment rights, will help to protect other photographers and reporters trying to do their jobs.” 

Series of Settlements For Law Enforcement Attacks on Press

The settlement adds to a series of legal victories for journalists targeted by law enforcement during the protests and riots in Minneapolis and nationwide following George Floyd's death.

In February 2024, the Minneapolis City Council reached a settlement of $950,000 with seven journalists, including Katie G. Nelson, who were attacked by police. The settlement acknowledged the injustices faced by the journalists but also did not include an admission of wrongdoing by the police. 

In November 2023, Los Angeles County reached a $700,000 settlement with radio reporter Josie Huang, who was unlawfully arrested in 2020. Alongside the payout, the settlement outlined guidelines for law enforcement's interactions with the press.

The settlement reached by Carolyn Cole and Molly Hennessy-Fiske is celebrated by Women Press Freedom, it is a win for press freedom and journalist protection in the United States. Despite no admission of wrongdoing from the Minnesota troopers, the settlement signals to law enforcement that attacks against the press will not be tolerated and will have consequences. The injuries and trauma suffered by the journalists cannot be relieved through a monetary settlement, but we hope that this decision will serve to acknowledge the journalists’ suffering and protect members of the press from mistreatment at the hands of law enforcement in the future.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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