Two press advocacy groups are suing the LAPD and Police Chief Jim McDonnell in a California federal court, alleging that police assaulted journalists and blocked their access to permitted areas during recent immigration-raid protests in Southern California.
The lawsuit, obtained by TheWrap, states that the journalists’ First and 14th Amendment rights were violated in sometimes “targeted” attacks. The filing seeks remedies to prevent further misconduct by the department.
“The widespread use of force against journalists by LAPD officers indicates an intent to prevent public scrutiny of police conduct toward demonstrators,” the lawsuit reads…