Jonathan Choe, a former KOMO News reporter, publicly accused independent journalist Hannah Saunders of "constantly attacking" him and fellow independent journalist Cam Higby during their protest coverage. Choe's statement, made via social media, escalated an apparent ongoing dispute among reporters documenting social unrest in the Seattle area. The tweet called Saunders a "menace" and an "idiot," urging others to "let her have it."
Choe, known for his on-the-ground reporting of Seattle protests, was terminated from KOMO News in late 2021 following an appearance on Steve Bannon's "The War Room" podcast. His reporting style during protests had previously drawn both praise and criticism, often focusing on property damage and confrontations. This background provides context for his strong opinions regarding protest reporting.
Hannah Saunders is an independent journalist and photographer based in Seattle, frequently documenting social justice issues and protests. Her work, often shared through social media, involves on-the-ground reporting from demonstrations. Similarly, Cam Higby operates as an independent photojournalist and videographer, providing extensive footage from protests and community events in the Pacific Northwest.
The tweet highlights a visible tension among those covering contentious public events, particularly in the independent media landscape. > "Hannah Saunders is a menace. Constantly attacking me and Cam Higby during our protest coverage. Let her have it. This idiot needs all the help she can get," Choe stated in the tweet. This public denouncement suggests a significant disagreement over reporting methods, journalistic ethics, or personal conduct during protest assignments.
The specific nature of the alleged "attacks" by Saunders remains undetailed in Choe's public statement. However, the contentious environment surrounding protest coverage has often led to friction among journalists with differing perspectives and approaches. This incident underscores the challenges and sometimes personal animosities that can arise among reporters in high-stakes environments.
