A Ferguson, Mo., police officer threatened to shoot a journalist in the face in front of a livestream with over 45,000 viewers, just after 11pm, nearly an hour before the second night of the town’s controversial curfew was meant to come into effect.
The journalist’s apparent offense was filming the protests.
“Get that light off,” the cop tells the reporter, “or you’re getting shot.”
Here’s the full clip:
The reporter says the cop pointed a gun in his face, and that the other policemen refused to tell him the name of that officer.
Volunteer-run KARG Argus Radio, whose coverage has been led by Moustafa Hussein, has been broadcasting a livestream of the Ferguson protests since the day they broke out, following the death of Michael Brown after being shot six times by local police officer Darren Wilson. In addition to clashes between police and protestors, the media and police have repeatedly butted heads, including seeing reporters hit with tear gas and chased from the scene.
After the policeman left, said Hussein, his fellow cops refused to name the aggressor. Hussein said he spoke to a captain on the Ferguson police force and set up a meeting about the incident, scheduled for Monday, where he will attempt to get the name of the officer who threatened him.
Real smart. Cop just told livestreaming cam with 40,000 viewers that he will shoot if he doesn’t turn light off. Other cops won’t give name.
— Nicholas Jackson (@nbj914) August 18, 2014
The death threat against Hussein was far from the only confrontation between media and police on Sunday night.
Police tell @vicenews stream that they’ve been shot at “dozens” of times tonight https://t.co/aOy36U1BmM #Ferguson
— Jeb Boone (@JebBoone) August 18, 2014
From an MSNBC host RT @chrislhayes: Riot cop to me just a few minutes ago: “Get back! Or next time you’re gonna be the one maced.”
— Jim Dalrymple II (@JimDalrympleII) August 18, 2014
CTS tear gas, made in Jamestown, PA: in #Ferguson tonight https://t.co/XwMO3tBuDp #Tahrir Square, Jan. 31, 2011 https://t.co/nR30XpvkEV
— Robert Mackey (@RobertMackey) August 18, 2014
You can watch more of the Argus stream here:
I understand the safety concerns but telling the media you’re going to shoot them for literally shining a light on you is a bit on the nose.
— Erin Faulk (@erinscafe) August 18, 2014
Screenshot via Livestream