SPJ condemns video showing Trump likeness violently attacking media and opponents

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10/14/2019

CONTACT:
Patricia Gallagher Newberry, SPJ National President, 513-702-4065, pattinewberryspj@gmail.com
Zoë Berg, SPJ Communications Coordinator, 317-920-4785, zberg@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS - The Society of Professional Journalists joins other news organizations and pro-press groups in condemning a video that depicts a meme of President Donald Trump shooting, stabbing and otherwise assaulting members of the news media and various political opponents. SPJ further calls on the president to denounce the video; determine who created it; and investigate possible penalties against the creator. The video was shown at a weekend conference of a pro-Trump group called American Priority, attended by supporters at the Trump National Doral Miami.

"This video is dangerous and disturbing. It gives further fuel to the president's anti-press position, suggesting that violence against journalists is acceptable and even humorous," said SPJ National President Patricia Gallagher Newberry. "Journalists are not 'enemies of the people,' Mr. President. They are courageous couriers at the frontlines of history, exercising their First Amendment rights on behalf of the American public. They should be celebrated, not vilified as opponents in battle as they are in this grotesque video."

On this day, SPJ stands with the White House Correspondents' Association, Radio Television Digital News Association and CNN in calling for the president to directly condemn this video. And the Society thanks journalists, especially those at The New York Times, for uncovering and reporting this news.

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

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