CNN crew arrested on air while covering protest in Minneapolis

The death of a black man, George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement officers in Minneapolis has sparked widespread protest. CNN crew broadcasting live covering the protest have however been arrested.

The crew was later released.

The network posted footage of correspondent Omar Jimenez speaking calmly to police with batons and riot helmets, then being handcuffed and taken away.

“Do you mind telling me why I am under arrest, sir,” Jimenez is heard saying. “Why am I under arrest, sir?”

No answer was audible.

CNN said a producer and a camera operator working with Jimenez were also arrested.

Earlier, as Minnesota state police surrounded Jimenez while he reported, the correspondent spoke to the officers and said he wanted to cooperate.

“Wherever you want us, we would go,” said Jimenez, who is black. CNN said in a tweet that a white reporter who was also on the ground covering the unrest was not arrested.

Jimenez was back on the air later Friday after police released him. CNN said Minnesota Governor Tim Walz apologized to the network.