INDIANAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) — A reporters group has challenged an Indiana law that forbids anyone from approaching police conducting their duties from coming within 25 feet.
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of The Press, Indiana Broadcasters Association and others filed a complaint Oct. 6 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana against Todd Rokita, in his official capacity as Attorney General of Indiana, and others alleging, First Amendment violations and other claims.
The plaintiffs claim in their suit that Indiana's HB 1186, enacted in April, "unconstitutionally abridges the press' ability" and makes it a misdemeanor to "knowingly or intentionally" approach a law enforcement who is engaged in a law enforcement officer's duties within 25 feet after they have been ordered to stop.
They allege the law criminalizes peaceful and nonobstructive news-gathering as well as violation of the First Amendment. The plaintiffs further allege Indiana's law grants law enforcement officers limitless direction to prevent journalists from getting close enough to document the way officers perform their duties in public places.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief, interest and all other just relief. They are represented by Katie Townsend, Gabe Rottman, Grayson Clary and Emily Hockett of the Reporters Committee For Freedom of The Press in Washington, D.C.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana case number 1:23-CV-01805-JRS-MG