Recent press blocking of journalists for story coverage looms again after Washington correspondent Daniel Grimes of The Don Lemon Show was stopped by Capitol police after posing a question to Mississippi junior senator Cindy Hyde-Smith on Wednesday, September 23.
Grimes’ question concerned the Nolan Wells case and specifically called out the recent Grand Jury decision not to indict anyone suspected of being involved in Wells’ passing. Hyde-Smith continued to emphasize not wanting to answer questions in the lobby, despite it being in an area where the press are allowed to ask questions. Hyde-Smith not only refused to comment on the case, but then called on security in place at the building to escort Grimes off the premises. Two officers then approached Grimes and boxed him in where he stood to stop him from asking Hyde-Smith questions.
This comes after weeks of private grand jury proceedings; the death of Nolan Wells still remains a mystery after a grand jury in Jackson County, Mississippi, has ruled the case a no true bill and does not believe that the passing was racially motivated. “No true bill” is the legal terminology used to describe there being not enough evidence found within a respective case to bring charges to parties suspected to be involved.
This incident comes after the recent ban and temporary reversal of said ban for news publications CNN, MS NOW, and Politico at the White House last weekend. As well as Don Lemon’s arrest in January of this year while reporting during an ICE protest in Minnesota. The situation continues to point out the systemic issue of what it means to see an increase in the denial of information we are getting from federal leaders.
“I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MS NOW (who recently changed their name from MSNBC due to lack of viewership and credibility!), and Politico (The recipients of an illegal and ridiculous $8 Million Dollar subscription, an All Time Record, directly from the United States Government, under Crooked Joe Biden, in order to keep them “alive.” Seems like corruption to me!), from the White House as a result of their constant “reporting” FAKE NEWS! Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America. Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” President Trump posted on Truth Social the afternoon of Friday, September 18.
It has not been confirmed whether or not Grimes or The Don Lemon Show production team will take legal action in response to the incident.