Often in times of mass mobilization, the federal government will come knocking at journalists’ doors looking for photos, videos, and other records of protest and confrontation. They will seize evidence against those who have allegedly dissented. When the federal government is trying to squash resistance, a journalist can be anyone with a camera: because the goal of a fascist government is to identify and neutralize anyone appearing to oppose to their regime.

If you have recorded someone acting in opposition to the federal regime there may come a point that, even despite yourself, you could be forced to hand it over or have it seized.

If you are a journalist or storyteller, our obligation right now is to consider who is being served by your media coverage; and to consider what would happen to those being recorded if that coverage were to fall into the hands of law enforcement. All law enforcement, at the end of the day, is accountable to the federal government and its agenda.

Our obligation as journalists is to consider who is being served by our coverage and to align ourselves firmly on the side of those who are opposing fascism and the violent imposition of state control. Consider what your photos, videos, and stories are handing over to bad actors.

Consider if/why you need to keep those records. Journalism should never be for clout, cred, profit, or any other individualistic gain, but to serve the cause of people seeking truth, liberation, and accountability for the powerful.
And for the love of god: stop live-streaming.