Charges dismissed against reporter arrested at East Palestine news conference
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced through a press release that the criminal charges filed against NewsNation reporter Evan Lambert have been dismissed.
The Ohio Attorney General's Special Prosecutions Section was appointed by the Columbiana County Prosecuting Attorney to handle the charges filed in Columbiana County Municipal Court.
According to the Ohio Attorney General, his office reviewed video and evidence, and decided to dismiss the charged against Lambert.
In the release, Yost mentioned that due to high tensions surrounding the East Palestine train derailment, local officials appeared to be following the lead of the National Guard.
"Regardless of the intent, arresting a journalist reporting at a press conference is a serious matter," Yost said. "Ohio protects a free press under its constitution, and state officials should remember to exercise a heightened level of restraint in using arrest powers."
Lambert was initially charged with resisting arrest, a second-degree misdemeanor, and criminal trespass, a fourth-degree misdemeanor.