News

Liberty University Campus Police Issue Arrest Warrants For Journalists Who Reported Negative Stories On School

The Liberty University campus police have issued arrest warrants for two journalists who allegedly trespassed on the campus to report on the college’s operations during the coronavirus pandemic. Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. also confirmed on Wednesday that the school plans to file a defamation suit against The New York Times for one of the articles. 

In mid-March, Falwell ordered staff to return to work. He also opened the grounds to students, though they were not required to come back. The New York Times sent a reporter to investigate and published a March 29 article, which disclosed that symptoms of the coronavirus were found in 12 students. The article reported that the school dispatched three students to hospitals for testing and that one student had tested positive for COVID-19.

The campus police department is composed of eight officers. The force remains under the control of the school and has no connection to the local police department.

The on-campus authorities filed charges against Alexander MacGillis, a ProPublica reporter, and Julia Rendelman, a Times freelance photographer.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of political news in your in-box.
We find the news you need to know, so you don't have to.

The warrants come without the endorsement of a judge or a court clerk – Campus Sgt. Alan Wilkins signed the pair of Class One Misdemeanors, which claim criminal trespass of the school. State law says the offenses are “punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500 or both.”

The decision to act on the warrants is in the hands of the Commonwealth attorney Bethany Harrison. Jurisdiction of the Liberty campus police does not extend to off-campus operations and does not include the enforcement of state or federal law.

In the meantime, Liberty University called on the Times to make a “clear apologetic correction” to the report.


 

The articles which prompted the investigation quoted students and professors. These members of the community claimed that proper adherence to social distancing guidelines was not being practiced at the school.

Emily Bevacqua

Share
Published by
Emily Bevacqua

Recent Posts

JD Vance’s Pastor Brother, Cory Bowman, Runs Longshot Race For Cincinnati Mayor – After Never Previously Voting In A Local Election

Despite a short mayoral campaign, Cory Bowman, Vice President JD Vance's half-brother, found his way…

16 hours ago

Trump Names 23rd Fox News Personality To His Administration – Jeanine Pirro As Interim U.S. Attorney For D.C.

President Donald Trump announced his new appointment as interim U.S. attorney for the District of…

17 hours ago

Ford Raises Prices $2000 On Some Vehicle Models Due To Trump Tariffs

Ford Motor Company is increasing prices on several vehicles manufactured in Mexico, citing the impact…

21 hours ago

Sen. John Fetterman Shouts & Bangs His Fists During ‘Chaotic’ Meeting With Teachers’ Union, Raising Further Concerns About His Mental Health

Concerns are rising for Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) following a chaotic meeting with Pennsylvania teachers'…

2 days ago

House Republicans Struggle To Unite On Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ Amid Battle Over Medicaid Cuts & SALT Deduction

With weeks remaining before their self-imposed Memorial Day deadline, House Republicans are growing more divided…

2 days ago

Trump Calls Fed Chair Powell A ‘Fool’ After Interest Rates Hold Steady Due To Concerns About Tariffs

The Federal Reserve decided on Wednesday to hold interest rates steady, at 4.25 percent to…

2 days ago