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Ferguson teen shooting: Journalists arrested in McDonald's

The two reporters were detained yesterday evening by police.

TWO JOURNALISTS WERE arrested and detained by police while reporting on the shooting of an unarmed black teenager in Missouri.

The shooting, which occurred in Ferguson over the weekend, has led to rallies, protests and rioting in the town.

A large police and riot police presence has been reported in the town, as well as multiple arrests.

One reporter, Wesley Lowery, told his paper the Washington Post that he was working alongside other reporters when about “half a dozen” police officers came into the restaurant, some wearing riot gear and carrying assault weapons.

He described the situation as “tense” and said he had been afraid “several times” while reporting in Ferguson.

He said that patrons were told to leave the McDonalds, with police saying it was fine for journalists to stay.

However, officers returned later and then told the reporters they needed to leave.

Lowery was arrested as he was leaving the building, after his bag fell off his shoulder. He said that he did not try to resist arrest.

Ryan Reilly, of the Huffington Post, was also arrested in the McDonalds. The two men were taken to a holding cell for half an hour before being told they could leave without charges being filed.

Martin D Baron, executive editor of The Washington Post, said: “there was absolutely no justification for his arrest”.

In a statement about Ryan Reilly and Lowery’s arrest, the Huffington Post said it is “disturbed by their arrest and assault”.

Ryan Grim, its Washington Bureau Chief, said:

Compared to some others who have come into contact with the police department, they came out relatively unscathed, but that in no way excuses the false arrest or the militant aggression toward these journalists.
Ryan, who has reported multiple times from Guantanamo Bay, said that the police resembled soldiers more than officers, and treated those inside the McDonald’s as “enemy combatants.” Police militarization has been among the most consequential and unnoticed developments of our time, and it is now beginning to affect press freedom.

Also arrested was Antonio French, an Alderman who has been posting Vines of the unrest.

Protesters have been gathering near where he is being held to demand his release:
https://vine.co/v/MYDXzJeVwFJ

Read: Teen shooting: Tear gas and smoke bombs used on protesters>

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    Mute Conor Hickey
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    Oct 13th 2012, 7:50 PM

    These tolls are a con job.
    If you avoid the M50 toll just once after the hike, 31 other vehicles must make the journey before their lost toll revenue is made up.
    Avoid it as a protest.

    The M3 toll way is no quicker than the old road from Navan to Virginia. In fact, the tolled journey is longer in distance, uses more fuel and costs1.50 for the privilege.
    Leo Varadkar has lost touch with reality. The cost of living is up only because of energy prices and insurance levies. When interest rates go up and mortgages increase, up go the tolls again.

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    Oct 13th 2012, 8:15 PM

    I drive from donegal reguarly and trust me the m3 is way quicker! At least 20 mins quicker

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    Mute Paul Stewart
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    Oct 13th 2012, 8:15 PM

    I drive from donegal regularly and trust me the m3 is way quicker! At least 20 mins quicker

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    Oct 13th 2012, 11:48 PM

    I wouldn mind the 10c if it was going to pay out debt but the tolls are private and its just to inverse profits..I always check aa route planner and always shows going threw toll the fastest you would probably use more in fuel avoiding it not to mention the extra hassle

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