AG’S office drops charges against arrested reporter
COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said Wednesday that his office is dropping the charges against a Newsnation reporter who was arrested while covering the train derailment in East Palestine.
Correspondent Evan Lambert was pushed to the ground, handcuffed and arrested Feb. 8 while report- ing on a news conference by Gov. Mike Dewine on the derailment. Local prosecu- tors charged Lambert with misdemeanor criminal tres- passing and resisting arrest but asked Yost’s office to handle the case from there.
“While journalists could conceivably be subject to criminal charges for trespass- ing in some situations, this incident is not one of them,” Yost said. “The reporter was lawfully present at a press conference called by the governor of the state. His con- duct was consistent with the purpose of the event and his role as a reporter.”
In a statement on Twit- ter, Lambert said he’s still processing what was a traumatic event for him, but he expressed thanks to those who supported him and h elped get the charges dropped.
“I am doing alright. And I will be OK,” Lambert said. “I will also continue to do my job without fear or favor in service of the public. I also hope what happened to me shines further attention on the people of East Palestine, who rightly have questions about their safety in light of an environmental hazard.”
Lambert was in East Palestine as Dewine announced that residents who evacuated could begin returning to the area. The Washington, D.C.based journalist was filming a live shot during Dewine’s news conference.
The East Palestine Police Department said two members of the highway patrol and National Guard adjutant general Maj. Gen. John Harris tried to stop Lambert because he was “loud.” Body camera footage shows Harris pushing Lambert after an argument ensued. Police said Harris felt threatened, but the footage does not show what happened to prompt the argument.