Two Los Angeles Times journalists, Carolyn Cole and Molly Hennessy-Fiske, have agreed to settle their lawsuit against the state of Minnesota for $1.2 million.
The settlement follows an incident in Minneapolis on May 30, 2020, during their coverage of the response to George Floyd’s murder, as reported by the L.A. Times.
Despite wearing credentials, carrying media equipment, and identifying themselves as press, Cole and Hennessy-Fiske were attacked by Minnesota State Patrol troopers.
The troopers backed them and other media personnel into a corner against a wall, firing projectiles and pepper-spraying the group.
In a statement, Hennessy-Fiske expressed shock at the attack, noting it as the first time she had been assaulted by authorities in her nearly 25-year career.
She highlighted the extensive legal battle they endured, with much of the settlement going towards refuting the troopers’ excuses.
Hennessy-Fiske said it was crucial for state troopers to uphold the rule of law and protect press freedom, adding that she hopes the settlement would deter future attacks on journalists.
The settlement is part of the ongoing fallout from the civil unrest following George Floyd’s murder, with the City of Minneapolis and the State of Minnesota paying out millions of dollars in settlements for police brutality cases.
Of the $1.2 million settlement, $1 million will cover legal fees, while the remaining $200,000 will be split between Cole and Hennessy-Fiske, according to the Star Tribune.
