MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Experts are raising new concerns about the safety of journalists following the arrest of a Myrtle Beach man on Friday.

ASSOCIATED COVER | Feds Arrest Myrtle Beach Man For ‘Hate Threats’ To Kill News Reporter

Austin Suman, 35, was arrested Friday after federal prosecutors said he “made a series of violent and hateful threats against a news reporter, threatening to kill her and her family, as well as blowing up her house.”

A federal complaint alleges the threats came after the reporter covered a previous arrest of Suman in 2019.

But this case is far from the only one like it.

Dan Shelley, President and CEO of the Radio Television Digital News Association, told WMBF News that there has been a “dramatic increase” in threats and physical attacks against members of the media in recent years.

RTDNA data shows that one in 12 newsrooms reported attacks last year – and newsroom employees in the top 50 markets saw an increase in reported attacks.

That’s why Shelley and RTDNA are supporting a federal law that would make it a crime to assault or physically harm journalists.

“This is the United States of America,” Shelley said. “Anyone with an internet account, access to a gun, or says they have access to a gun and a grudge, can threaten another person and put them through severe emotional distress, if not, God forbid , physical injury. .”

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement about Suman’s arrest that the media “serves a vital role in our democracy” and that the arrest showed their “determination to work at lightning speed to neutralize threats.” against the press.”

“Any person who dares to cross the line and make hateful threats against members of our media: you will be found and held accountable for your actions,” Williams said.

As for Suman’s case, Shelly added that she was glad something was done before the threats could be carried out.

“Thank God the US Department of Justice acted quickly on this case and made an arrest before any harm could be done,” he said. “And I want to congratulate and thank the Department of Justice for acting so quickly on this matter and for keeping the reporter and her family safe.”

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

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