Following a violent takeover of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. — during which reporters were threatened, harassed and assaulted — the Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned that armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitols. In Wisconsin, the National Guard has been activated and the state Capitol building’s ground-floor windows boarded up.

• Journalists should be prepared for the risk of hostility and violence from rioters, protesters and the police. Some guidelines to consider include:
• Obey orders from law enforcement. If legal assistance is needed, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has a hotline for journalists at 1-800-336-4243, or www.rcfp.org.
• Be aware of the potential use of live ammunition by protesters or police. Practice situational awareness.
• If violence is anticipated, consider the use of protective safety goggles/glasses or other personal protective equipment.
• Avoid working alone. Set up a regular check-in procedure with a colleague, friend or family member.
• Be mindful of your surroundings. Some sources say Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) may be used by rioters. Constantly scan your surroundings as crowds move to identify exits, assess police interactions and determine whether the situation is escalating.
• Stay on the edge of crowds, not in the middle.
• Clearly identify yourself and have credentials easily available, but be thoughtful about how and when to display them. It is recommended that journalists avoid wearing lanyards around their neck for safety reasons, as highlighted in this video of Associated Press photographer John Minchillo being attacked in Washington, D.C., on January 6.
• To avoid being mistaken for a demonstrator, try not to wear clothing that matches what they might be wearing (e.g., all black or clothing that appears “tactical”).
• Employ social distancing tactics and COVID-19 protection measures, as always.
• Additional resources:

Committee to Protect Journalists Safety Advisory
National Newspaper Association Member Alert
Reporter’s Committee for Freedom of the Press Legal Guide for Journalists: Police, Protestors and the Press
Institute for Nonprofit News’ Guide to Staying Safe While Covering Civil Unrest
Poynter’s 25 guidelines for journalists to safely cover unrest
NewsGuild-CWA Webinar: Covering the news in a hostile environment (11 a.m. Jan. 16)