Carlos Childs, Waldorf, Maryland
“As an up-and-coming journalist and podcaster, it’s horrifying to watch our First Amendment constantly being eroded. The Trump administration is targeting journalists in an effort to keep the public in the dark about the Gestapo tactics and executions being carried out by ICE agents. This attack on freedom of the press is not just being done by Trump but also by corporations and the wealthy elites who are buying up news and social media outlets with the goal of censoring people who they disagree with. Everyone, no matter your political ideology, needs to stand up against this regime and their assault of our First Amendment rights.”
Fatmata Barrie, White Oak, Maryland
“Since our country’s founding freedom of the press and the protection of journalists’ right to question our government has been a symbol of our democracy. When journalists— particularly Black journalists— are targeted and arrested for documenting state action, it sends a chilling message about who is allowed to tell the truth and who is meant to be silenced.”
Ryan Turner, Baltimore
“What happens in Minneapolis won’t stay in Minneapolis. When government normalizes the arrests of journalists, it sets a dangerous precedent that invites intimidation, reduces transparency, and erodes free speech nationwide. In a democracy, we don’t silence scrutiny: we protect it, because the public’s right to know is not negotiable.”
Anthony Lee Wright
“The arrest of journalists in Minnesota is to be expected of a president, who not only is willing to ‘kill’ other Americans, but also wants to silence the media that is covering the events.”
Compiled by Richard Elliott