Pulitzer Prize Board Issues Statement in Support of Journalists Covering a Country in Crisis

News June 1, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Megan Mulligan, [email protected] or 212-854-3841

New York, NY (June 1, 2020) — The Pulitzer Prize Board is deeply disturbed by reports of journalists being harassed and assaulted by some law enforcement officers as news organizations report on the police killing of George Floyd and the resulting national protests and civil unrest. The Board condemns assaults on and suppression of a free and independent press, which is essential to an informed democracy.

The Board strongly urges local, state and federal authorities to investigate these incidents and to hold those responsible accountable for any misconduct. It is crucial that journalists are safe in carrying out their critical function, protected under the First Amendment, to document public events at a time of deep division and public tension.

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