Two senators want answers from the FCC over its ‘manhandling’ of a reporter

Earlier this week, the National Press Club alleged that security guards ‘manhandled’ a journalist after attempting to ask FCC commissioners a question following a press conference. Now, two senators have written a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, asking for a formal explanation.

In the letter, Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) point out that the FCC sets an example when it comes to supporting the first amendment, and that they were disturbed by reports of the incident.

“Yesterday’s incident at the FCC is not an isolated one and seems to be a part of a larger pattern of hostility towards the press characteristic of this Administration,” they wrote. The pair requested a response by Friday, May 26th, asking for Pai’s description of the event and the FCC’s security policies, an explanation for the security guard’s actions, and an assurance that such incidents “will not happen again.”