The Journal Sentinel reports: A Journal Sentinel photojournalist was arrested during a rally connected to the Occupy Wall Street movement in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photographer Kristyna Wentz-Graff was covering the rally for the Journal-Sentinel, which began at noon in a plaza beside UWM’s student center. The group left campus on E. Kenwood Blvd., marching westbound in the street and on the sidewalk, chanting and carrying signs.
In a statement hours later, Milwaukee Police Spokeswoman Anne Schwartz said those arrested off-campus ignored repeated commands to clear the street and were arrested near the intersection of N. Oakland Ave. and E. Linnwood Ave.
“I can tell you that no one at MPD had any idea (Wentz-Graff) was a journalist until she arrived here at the police station,” Schwartz said. “She never identified herself as a journalist to officers.”
Journal Sentinel Editor Martin Kaiser disputed the police account as it pertained to photojournalist Wentz-Graff’s arrest.
“At no time did Kristyna Wentz-Graff ignore any commands by any officer,” Kaiser said. “She came upon the scene to do her job as a photojournalist. She was clearly not part of the protest. She was wearing her Journal Sentinel photo press credential. She was carrying photography equipment while taking photographs of police making arrests when she was grabbed by a police officer and handcuffed. Her arrest was completely uncalled for and violates the First Amendment. No reason for her arrest has been provided.”
Schwartz confirmed that no tickets for specific violations of the law were issued. She said the matter was referred to the city attorney.
The Wisconsin News Photographers Association issued a statement defending Wentz-Graff, stating the association “finds today’s arrest of Kristyna Wentz-Graff entirely unacceptable. This is the second time this year that Milwaukee Police officers have arrested a photographer legally going about their job. It is time for the Milwaukee Police to recognize that photography is not a crime. Journalists provide a public service, but in Milwaukee they are being treated like a public threat.”