Conservative journalist Nick Sortor found himself in a harrowing situation in Minneapolis while covering a protest outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. Protesters surrounded his vehicle and that of his colleague, Cam Higby, engaging in threats and violent actions that escalated rapidly.
The trouble began when Sortor attempted to document the protests. Earlier that day, he had reported on a riot outside the ICE building, where law enforcement had to deploy tear gas and pepper balls to restore order. Chaos erupted, and federal agents risked their safety to protect Sortor and Higby from an angry mob. As Sortor noted on social media, “Thank GOD federal agents were nearby, or this could’ve gotten ugly.”
The situation worsened as he and Higby tried to make their escape. Protesters surrounded their vehicle, pushing trash into the windows and spitting on the car. Tension mounted as the crowd grew hostile. “These disgusting pigs started pushing trash into my windows and all over the hood,” Sortor described, expressing the fear that enveloped them as aggressors became increasingly aggressive.
Later that evening, the protesters escalated their attack, smashing the car’s windows with frozen water bottles and threatening their lives. In a desperate move to escape, Sortor drove through the crowd, warning those in front to move aside. “These are the moments leading up to Minneapolis anti-ICE rioters SURROUNDING my vehicle, smashing my windows, and attempting to kill Cam Higby and me,” he recounted, portraying the terrifying urgency of the moment. His account reveals not just fear but a determination to survive as he navigated through the chaos.
The situation took another turn when the rioters falsely claimed that Sortor and Higby had firearms, leading to their detention by the police. “I have to post this now because these idiots called the police on me saying I had a gun and was ‘running innocent protestors over,’” Sortor asserted, highlighting the absurdity of the allegations against them. He remained defiant, promising not to be silenced despite the threats they faced that night.
Social media played a crucial role in documenting the violence experienced by Sortor and Higby. They shared videos showing moments of their attack, adding a layer of immediacy and authenticity to their narrative. Their situation brings to light not only the dangers journalists face while reporting but also raises questions about the current climate around protests and civil discourse.
As the journalist community grapples with the risks associated with covering contentious topics, Sortor’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the volatility that can accompany such situations. His assertion, “You can try to terrorize me all you want. BUT I WILL NEVER STOP, AND NEVER SHUT UP,” embodies the resolve many in the field possess.
The events in Minneapolis illustrate a broader trend of rising tensions over immigration policy in America where protests can quickly devolve into violence, complicating the already challenging role of the media. The Gateway Pundit reached out to Sortor for further comments, reflecting the ongoing interest in his story and the need for updates on his condition following his detention.
Sortor’s ordeal highlights the intersection of journalism, protest, and safety, raising important questions about free speech, the right to protest, and the protection of those who seek to document events unfolding in real time. In an increasingly polarized environment, the stakes are higher than ever for those daring to report the truth.
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