Increase in Violence Against Journalists in 2025 Attributed to Protests and Rhetoric
The Freedom of the Press Foundation reported 170 assaults on journalists in 2025 as of December 16, a figure nearly matching the total for the previous three years combined (about 175 assaults from 2022–2024). These assaults mainly occurred during protests related to immigration policies.
Experts note that the rise in violence is linked to media coverage of these protests and increased anti-media rhetoric by former President Trump and other leaders. While direct causation is difficult to establish, hostile policies and rhetoric are believed to potentially normalize or encourage violence against journalists.
Notable incidents include Los Angeles photographer Nick Stern, who was seriously injured twice while covering pro-immigration demonstrations. On June 7, during a protest in Compton near an ICE event, an officer fired an explosive device close to him, leading to emergency surgery. Stern has since filed a lawsuit against the LAPD and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
In Chicago, journalist Raven Geary was struck by a pepper ball during a September protest outside the Broadview detention facility. She and other journalists filed a class-action lawsuit against ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. In October, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order forbidding the use of force on journalists.
The Chicago protests, dubbed Operation Midway Blitz, saw 34 assaults on journalists outside the facility over six weeks.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the LAPD and county sheriff's departments, have stated they are reviewing video footage and investigating allegations of excessive force against journalists.
