Charges Dropped Against News Nation Reporter

FTVLive told you that cops had cuffed News Nation Reporter Evan Lambert while he was covering the Governors press conference in Ohio on the train derailment.

Now, those charges against Lambert have been dropped. Lambert faced charges of resisting arrest and criminal trespassing in Ohio. However, Attorney General Dave Yost announced on Wednesday that the charges against Lambert had been dismissed.

Yost stated that while journalists could potentially face criminal charges for trespassing in certain situations, this was not one of them. Lambert was lawfully present at a press conference called by the governor of Ohio, and his conduct was consistent with his role as a reporter.

Lambert had been giving a live report on NewsNation's "Rush Hour" about a news conference on the Ohio train derailment. During the live report, law enforcement personnel asked him to be quiet because Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was speaking. Although he finished the live report, Lambert was later asked to leave by authorities, who forcibly removed him from the event.

In a statement on Twitter, Lambert expressed his appreciation for DeWine, Yost, NewsNation, its parent company Nexstar Media Group, and others who worked to secure his release and the eventual dismissal of his charges. Lambert also expressed his gratitude to those who supported him during what he called an "unjust and illegal arrest."

Lambert stated that he was still processing the traumatic event for him, especially given the heightened awareness of how police interactions with people of color can often lead to worse circumstances. This is a reminder of the importance of journalists and their role in holding those in power accountable, even in challenging situations.

The dismissal of Lambert's charges sends a message that journalists have the right to cover public events without fear of retaliation or arrest, as long as they are acting in accordance with their role and the purpose of the event. It also highlights the importance of press freedom and the need to protect journalists' rights to do their job without interference or intimidation.

H/T News Nation