A New Jersey court has issued a summons Monday against CNN political analyst April Ryan’s bodyguard, after he allegedly assaulted a journalist.
The alleged incident occurred earlier this month, and involved Charlie Kratovil of the New Brunswick Today. Kratovil was credentialed for the New Jersey Parent Summit, where Ryan gave the keynote address.
Video emerged last week of Ryan’s bodyguard Joel Morris allegedly attempting to snatch Kratovil’s camera and assaulting him. (RELATED: April Ryan Takes Heat For Saying Sarah Sanders’ Head Should Be ‘Lopped Off,” Then ‘Plays The Victim’)
Just in: Court officials in New Jersey issue summons against security guard for @AprilDRyan who was involved in an incident involving journalist @CharlieKratovil on Aug. 3. More… pic.twitter.com/0N0f8vHexR
— Paul Farhi (@farhip) August 19, 2019
“This was more than just an assault on me,” Kratovil said in a statement. “This was an assault on freedom of the press, and April Ryan should have immediately condemned the use of violence against a journalist.”
Kratovil also ripped Ryan for failing to stand up for his First Amendment rights. (RELATED: Study Shows 92% Of Media’s May Trump Coverage Was Negative)
“Because Ms. Ryan has failed to publicly address or apologize for her role in this ugly incident, I am now seeking legal counsel to initiate proceedings that will hold her accountable for the unacceptable and illegal behavior of her employee,” he said.
Ryan has positioned herself as a staunch advocate of press freedom, frequently clashing with the Trump administration over their criticism of the media.