. @GavinNewsom just vetoed a bill passed by legislators to protect reporters who cover protests.

It would've barred law enforcement "from intentionally assaulting, interfering with or obstructing these duly authorized representatives." #SB629

SB 629 would've been a great signal for Newsom to send to Californians that he stands up for the #FirstAmendment.

Aside from protecting journalists from bodily harm, the bill would've made clear they can keep reporting after a dispersal order is called without harassment.

Indeed, Newsom says media access to protests "is essential to a functioning democracy" but he fears giving access to those who may pose a "security risk."

As I read the bill, nothing stops law enforcement from detaining someone they deem a security risk.
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200SB629

Listen, the pros I've met covering protests can take the hits.

Here's @chrismatography (who shoots for @AP) getting chemical irritant washed out of his eyes. The photo was taken by @LAist @LATaco contributor @bfeinzimer who himself got hurt that night from flash bang explosions

Do you want these journalists to keep getting hit by less-lethal munitions from law enforcement, while reporting from American streets? @GavinNewsom

I'm so grateful for these brave journalists, more than I can name here, who are working into the night when I've made it home.

I fell into covering protests & rallies. I offered to work wknds during covid. I'm usually on Asian Am issues.

Since George Floyd was killed, I've reported near-weekly from events for Black lives & for Pres. Trump.

All I can say is I've never been hurt by any civilians.

You can read Newsom's veto response here. He says he plans to work with the Legislature and implement advisors' recs on protecting journalists & legal observers and "am encouraging every California law enforcement agency to do the same." Pls work fast, thx
https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/SB-629.pdf