A chaotic night of protests in Los Angeles escalated further when a CNN national correspondent was briefly detained on live television by police attempting to clear out demonstrators near federal buildings.
The Monday night incident unfolded during CNN’s live coverage, drawing immediate attention as anchor Laura Coates reacted in real time.
As law enforcement officers moved to disperse protesters, veteran reporter Jason Carroll was suddenly restrained by police.
Just moments earlier, he had completed a segment from one of the protest zones.
While Coates was mid-conversation with law enforcement analyst John Miller, Carroll’s voice cut through the broadcast.
“I am being detained,” Carroll said clearly, interrupting the studio conversation.
Coates quickly responded, halting the segment.
“Wait one second, John… Jason, what’s going on? I hear you. Am I seeing Jason Carroll being — what happened?”
Footage showed Carroll, dressed in jeans and a black shirt, standing between two officers with his hands behind his back.
The CNN camera crew continued filming as the exchange unfolded.
Seeking clarification, Carroll asked officers, “I’m not being arrested, correct?”
An officer replied, “We’re letting you go, but you can’t come back. Because then if you come back in, then you go. OK, please?”
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