An Ohio reporter has been arrested while covering a news conference at the Ohio Statehouse on Tuesday. The reporter, who was not identified, was reportedly taken into custody by Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers.
The arrest occurred during a press conference held by Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks. The press conference was discussing the state’s efforts to improve the safety of its rail system.
The reporter was reportedly arrested for “obstructing official business” and was taken to the Franklin County Jail. It is unclear why the reporter was arrested, but it is believed to be related to the press conference.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol released a statement saying that the reporter was “taken into custody for interfering with the duties of troopers as they were conducting their duties.” The statement further said that the arrest was made in accordance with Ohio law.
The arrest has been met with criticism from press freedom advocates and other journalists. The Ohio chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists released a statement condemning the arrest and calling for the charges to be dropped.
The reporter has since been released from jail, but the incident has sparked a debate about press freedom and the rights of journalists to cover news events without fear of arrest.