NewsNation Correspondent Arrested During Press Conference Attended by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine

A NewsNation correspondent was arrested Wednesday evening in East Palestine, Ohio, after a confrontation with law enforcement during a press conference attended by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R).

Evan Lambert, the reporter, was detained in Columbiana County jail on preliminary charges of criminal trespassing and resisting arrest, according to county Sheriff Brian McLaughlin.

Footage released Thursday by the Ohio State Highway Patrol shows a confrontation between Lambert and law enforcement that led to his arrest after the reporter was told to stop delivering a live report during the governor’s remarks. The footage also shows the Ohio National Guard’s adjutant general pushing the reporter during an argument.

East Palestine police chief J.C. Brown III, in a statement, seemingly justified the arrest and described Lambert’s report as loud.

DeWine, who provided an update about the train derailment at the press conference, later remarked that he did not authorize the arrest and journalists “have every right to” report at his press conferences.

The incident has sparked criticism from media organizations and civil rights groups, who argue that the arrest was an infringement on the freedom of the press. The East Palestine Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol have yet to comment on the incident.