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DFL Calls on GOP & Stauber to Denounce Attack on Reporter Outside Trump Rally in Duluth

10/01/2020

Attack comes after years of Trump demonizing the media

Today, DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin denounced a Trump supporter’s attack on a WCCO photojournalist outside of Trump’s rally in Duluth and called on the Minnesota Republican Party and Representative Pete Stauber to do the same.

“Political violence is never acceptable under any circumstances,” said Martin. “It is essential that political campaigns remain peaceful and that everyone treats members of the media with the respect they deserve. I’m calling on the Republican Party of Minnesota and Representative Pete Stauber to join me in denouncing this attack on a Minnesota reporter. This is completely unacceptable and it is up to Minnesota’s political leaders to speak out against it.”

The Trump supporter shouted “You guys want to be peaceful? Be peaceful! You want to be violent? Come to me!” at Biden supporters before punching the camera phone out of WCCO reporter Dymanh Chhoun’s hand. This attack comes after years of President Trump labeling the media as “enemies of the people” and celebrating attacks on journalists. These attacks became so bad that hundreds of retired reporters spoke out about the dangers Trump’s rhetoric poses towards members of the fourth estate.

“It is essential that political leaders denounce this kind of violence, otherwise it will only continue,” added Martin. “Donald Trump has celebrated attacks on journalists, told a violent hate group to ‘stand by’, and threatened the peaceful transfer of power if he loses the election. We cannot allow this dangerous behavior to become normalized.”