October 7, 2024 - United States, Ohio, Cleveland

Women Press Freedom is outraged by the shooting of Winnie Dortch, a Cleveland 19 News reporter, in a brutal domestic violence attack. The suspected perpetrator killed himself after shooting Dortch. 

Dortch is currently recovering from surgery at a hospital. The journalist previously worked in Milwaukee for CBS 58 and had recently announced on social media that she would be moving to a dream job at WGN TV in Chicago, her hometown, in December 2024. As she recovers from this horrific act of violence, we fervently hope that Dortch is able to heal swiftly and fully so that she can continue pursuing her career. 

We demand accountability for those who commit acts of domestic violence and a stronger commitment to the safety of women journalists—whether at home or in the field. The safety of journalists is integral to press freedom, and no woman should have to fear for her life while pursuing her career or simply living her life.