Chad Nelson, KSTP cameraman, assaulted by Minneapolis police [VIDEO]

By Kevin Hoffman Mon., Apr. 9 2012 at 7:30 AM

The cop in the background is about the destroy the videocamera that's filming him.

The Occupy movement staged a re-occupation on Saturday, and the TV media showed up to cover the news event. Little did KSTP cameraman Chad Nelson know that he would be assaulted by a cop, who totally thrashes his expensive video camera.

The entire event was caught on tape by Rogue Media and dutifully re-played several times in slow motion so you can see the look of callous disregard on the officer's face as he shoves the camera up and over Nelson's shoulder, sending the expensive equipment hurtling to the pavement.

"The whole world is watching!" chants ring out, and in this case, it couldn't be more apt. In trying to censor Nelson, the officer stars in a video that will be seen by far more viewers. And now KSTP is publicly demanding answers about the incident. Bravo, Officer Friendly!

Tags:

Chad Nelson, KSTP, media, Minneapolis police, Occupy Minneapolis, Rogue Media, video

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Lifeinglifer1989

If you dont want your camera thrashed don't go to a stupid no point protest.

ludwigtr

Both of these things that you happen to be against are constitutional rights."Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

Zach

So you're saying that any journalist who wants to cover a news story about a protest should reasonably expect that their equipment will be destroyed by police. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense, genius. Your thinking would fit perfectly into an Orwellian novel about a fascist police-state where people have absolutely no civil liberties. Is that the world you think we live in? What the hell's the matter with you? Regardless of what your views are on the Occupy Movement, you can't actually believe the BS you're spewing...

Mike W.

After watching the video a couple of times, it certainly appears that the actions of the officer were unprovoked and excessive. MPD should pay for a new camera and offer a written apology signed by the chief and mayor to the cameraman.

Nick

I agree someone should pay the damages, and even apologize. I disagree that it should be MPD (or, by extension, taxpayers). Take it out of the officer's last paycheck from the department, which should be the current pay period.

Albatross

Beat people? Trample civil rights? Pre-emptively invade homes in advance of the RNC? Pepper-spray unarmed protesters? Alla that is fine.

Bust one of Stanley Hubbard's cameras? POLICE BRUTALITY!!!!

Research

All I gotta say is I'd hate to be a cop. A MPLS cop at that. I'm a nice guy but give me that job and I'd be throwing shit everywhere.

Javo

You aren't drafted to be a police officer. This isn't the military. They apply for these positions and if they aren't able to control their actions they shouldn't be in that position.

vurt

I would not call this assault. He just pushed the camera. I agree it is stupid for the police to do that but to call it assault is a bit overblown in my opinion. The cameraman didn't even fall over or appear to be hurt by this. The camera is the only victim here, which again, is stupid and the police department should have to replace it.