Charlie Kratovil is the founder and editor of New Brunswick Today in New Jersey and was strong-armed out of a speaking event on August 3rd by CNN’s White House correspondent, April Ryan’s, security guard.
You can watch the video here:
Kratovil took to Twitter to describe the incident in its entirety:
THREAD: It’s been 36 hours since @AprilDRyan’s security guard assaulted me in a hotel lobby after stealing our camera.
Because there has been some misinformation going around, I want to lay out exactly what happened before, during, & after this video.
https://t.co/nDT3FSWkTY— Charlie Kratovil (@Charlie4Change) August 5, 2019
I’m the editor of @NB_Today & our team was explicitly invited to attend & cover the event by @juanmelli (Mercury Public Affairs) on 7/25 & again on 8/1.
We also published a very fair preview article that highlighted Ms. Ryan’s scheduled keynote speech: https://t.co/3SadzDIzNh
— Charlie Kratovil (@Charlie4Change) August 5, 2019
I had no intention to write any articles, or to ask Ms. Ryan any questions. Unlike many stories I do, I wasn’t digging deep or trying to put anyone on the spot. Just thought it was cool that a well-known journo was speaking in my city & something our audience might appreciate.
— Charlie Kratovil (@Charlie4Change) August 5, 2019
On the big night, I arrived at @TheHeldrich Hotel at about 6:45pm, 15 mins. before the “Parent Awards” ceremony was set to begin. As instructed, I checked in w/ @willherberich who apparently works with a different PR firm (PACE Education Strategies) than the one that invited us.
— Charlie Kratovil (@Charlie4Change) August 5, 2019
I spent nearly 3 hours at the #NJParentSummit without incident. Before the program began, I introduced myself to @RepDonaldPayne and thanked him for his recent support of impeaching the President. I also helped take a couple photos for a woman who wanted one w/ the Congressman.
— Charlie Kratovil (@Charlie4Change) August 5, 2019
I recorded the remarks of Assemblywoman @shavondasumter without incident, as well as the presentation of two “Parent of the Year” awards, and a pleasant surprise that was not listed on the summit agenda: a musical performance by Newark’s own @leahjeneamusic.
— Charlie Kratovil (@Charlie4Change) August 5, 2019
I asked if he had a card & he responded by saying he was “with the speaker.” He left & I thought this would be the end of it, but the mystery man returned, threatening to “take… down” my camera if I did not do so myself.
I declined to acquiesce to this threat from a stranger.
— Charlie Kratovil (@Charlie4Change) August 5, 2019
I maintained a firm position re: video recording, saying I wouldn’t take action until I could get more info on the man who threatened to mess w/ my camera.
I told them “If he doesn’t give me his name & tell me on the record why I can’t
, I’m not turning off the camera.”
— Charlie Kratovil (@Charlie4Change) August 5, 2019
This woman, who I later learned is Shennell McCloud, the Executive Director of “Project Ready,” insisted that Ms. Ryan would not take the stage unless my camera was gone, but moments later, Ms. Ryan took the stage.
At this point, we all left the room to discuss further.
— Charlie Kratovil (@Charlie4Change) August 5, 2019
Ms. Ryan’s remarks were then interrupted by a visit from the mystery man, who I later learned is named Joel Morris and works as a “security guard” for Ms. Ryan.
Mr. Morris approached the podium & said something to her. She nodded and went silent for the next 27 seconds.
— Charlie Kratovil (@Charlie4Change) August 5, 2019
As soon as Mr. Morris touched our camera, I spoke up, saying: “Don’t touch my camera, please. Put that down. Don’t you dare. Put that down, sir.”
At the same time, Ms. Ryan began attempting to explain to the crowd why they were witnessing the theft of our camera.
— Charlie Kratovil (@Charlie4Change) August 5, 2019
Now guilty of 3rd-degree theft of movable property under NJ law , Mr. Morris fled towards to the front desk of the hotel, bringing the stolen property w/ him.
I gathered some of my belongings and caught up w/ the thief, demanding he return the camera. He eventually gave it up.
— Charlie Kratovil (@Charlie4Change) August 5, 2019
I was carrying my phone (which was recording audio) in one hand & the camera/tripod in the other.
I tried to get away from the perpetrator, but within seconds, he began assaulting me without provocation in the lobby & continued his assault as he forced me out of the building.
— Charlie Kratovil (@Charlie4Change) August 5, 2019
I screamed and used some profane language towards Mr. Morris as he grabbed my left arm and twisted it behind my back, injuring my forearm and shoulder.
I later gave a statement to NBPD’s Ryan Daughton & he told me that he’d prepare a police report.
I intend to press charges.
— Charlie Kratovil (@Charlie4Change) August 5, 2019
A hotel security video was also released of the incident:
Come on @AprilDRyan journalists don’t deserve to be treated like this. No one does. You know better. pic.twitter.com/zvmepReubc
— Charlie Kratovil (@Charlie4Change) August 9, 2019
Photo: CNN
