KDKA cameraman and reporter injured at protest
May 30, 2020UPDATED AT 12:21 a.m. 5/31
KDKA-TV reports that they have pulled back from coverage of the Pittsburgh protest following the Minneapolis police incident during which George Floyd died on Memorial Day. The protest in Pittsburgh, like other cities, took a violent turn Saturday afternoon when at least 2 police cars were set on fire.
Meanwhile KDKA cameraman Ian Smith was attacked and injured and his camera was destroyed. He was taken to the hospital for tests and appears to be fine.
UPDATE 7:20 p.m.: Also involved in the instance was KDKA-TV anchor/reporter Paul Martino. No word to the extent of his injuries other than what Mr. Smith reported in his post above, but we are hearing that Martino is doing okay.
WTAE-TV (4) reporter Brittany Hoke was on location from Mt. Washington during that station’s 6:30 p.m. report. Hoke said that she and her camera operator were asked by rioters to step away; that they were “part of the problem”.
UPDATE 8:00 p.m .: KDKA reporter Paul Martino checks in on social media to update on his and Ian Smith’s conditions.
Last evening the Post-Gazette identified the man who came to Mr. Smith’s aid which likely saved his life. It was Pittsburgh Penguins president and CEO, David Morehouse.
