October 20, 2024 - United States, Pennsylvania, Lancaster

Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent actions taken by a Lancaster City Police officer against photojournalist Susan Stava during her coverage of a Donald Trump town hall event. Stava, a seasoned journalist with over 30 years of experience, was pushed to the ground while documenting a public protest, a clear violation of press freedom and the rights of journalists to report safely and without interference.

This incident not only highlights the concerning aggression faced by journalists in the field but also raises serious questions about the training and conduct of law enforcement officers. In a democratic society, the media plays a vital role in informing the public, and any attempt to silence or intimidate journalists is an affront to democracy itself.

We stand in solidarity with Susan Stava and all journalists who bravely undertake the essential work of covering events, often in challenging and hostile environments. It is imperative that police departments prioritize the protection of journalists and implement rigorous training protocols to ensure that such violations do not occur in the future.

We call for a thorough investigation into this incident, and we urge the Lancaster City Police to take immediate action to address the serious issues raised by Stava’s experience. Officers who engage in misconduct must be held accountable to foster an environment where journalists can operate freely and safely.