A bodyguard for CNN political analyst April Ryan has been charged after he allegedly manhandled a reporter at a New Jersey event earlier this month.
Joel Morris, 30, was charged Monday with harassment, assault, and theft, according to NJ.com. Morris allegedly took New Brunswick Today editor Charlie Kratovil’s camera and then twisted his arm behind his back.
Kratovil alleges his forearm and shoulder were injured in the incident.
The journalist said he was invited to the Aug. 3 event at The Heldrich Hotel where Ryan was appearing by a public relations firm. He said he checked in at the event and recorded other speakers for a couple of hours without incident. But after Ryan took the stage, the guard began to question why he was there.
A video shows the guard forcing Kratovil out of the room.
“What I will say, when I speak, I don’t have news covering my speeches,” Ryan told the crowd.
Kratovil said other local reporters were allowed to stay in the room and members of the audience were recording videos or taking photos with their phones.
Ryan, who has been outspoken about the treatment of reporters under President Trump, hired a bodyguard after receiving death threats.
