Kansas Police Raid Local Newspaper, Leading to the Tragic Death of Publisher
In a shocking turn of events, the entire five-member police department of a small town in Kansas has come under scrutiny after raiding the office of a local newspaper and the home of its publisher. The aggressive raid involved the seizure of computers, cell phones, and other essential reporting materials, effectively halting the newspaper’s publication.
Tragically, the 98-year-old co-owner of the weekly newspaper, Joan Meyer, collapsed and passed away the following day, reportedly overwhelmed by the distressing incident. Publisher Eric Meyer expressed devastation, stating that the Marion Police Department’s raid on August 11 had stripped them of everything we have.
The aftermath of this intrusive operation is likely to have a chilling effect on both the newspaper’s ability to publish and the public’s willingness to engage with its reporters. According to Eric Meyer, it also raises concerns about potential violations of federal law, the First Amendment, and basic human decency.
The chain of events leading up to this shocking raid began with a series of stories about a restaurant owner who had ejected reporters from a meeting with Republican US Representative Jake LaTurner. The newspaper had been contacted by a source regarding the restaurant owner’s drunken driving record, prompting their reporters to seek verification through government records. However, the publisher ultimately decided against publishing the information.
Upon learning of the newspaper’s investigation, the restaurant owner, Kari Newell, falsely accused the publication of illegally obtaining sensitive documents about her. This prompted the newspaper to publish an article correcting the record. Additionally, the newspaper was actively investigating Marion’s Police Chief Gideon Cody, following allegations of sexual misconduct and his alleged retirement from a previous job to avoid punishment.
The warrant authorizing the raid, which saw the participation of the entire police department and sheriff’s deputies, was signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. The two-page warrant empowered the officers to seize phones, software, items with passwords, and any correspondence or documents regarding Kari Newell.
Disturbingly, during the raid, Chief Cody reportedly dislocated a reporter’s finger after forcibly taking her phone from her. Officers were also said to have taken photographs of personal financial statements and seized personal items, including a smart speaker used by Joan Meyer to request assistance.
Joan Meyer’s health rapidly deteriorated following the raid. Stress, shock, and grief overwhelmed the 98-year-old co-owner, leaving her unable to eat or sleep. Sadly, she collapsed at her home on Saturday afternoon and passed away.
The incident in Marion, Kansas has shocked many and is considered unprecedented in the state. Emily Bradbury, Executive Director of the Kansas Press Association, condemned the illegal search as an assault on journalists’ rights and democracy itself, emphasizing that such actions must not be allowed to stand.
Various organizations, including the Radio Television Digital News Association and PEN America, have voiced their concerns and demanded explanations from the police. PEN America emphasized that interfering with news reporting in such an egregious manner should not be tolerated in a democracy. They also highlighted how the seizure of the newspaper’s equipment potentially violated federal law and jeopardized the publication of news.
Publisher Eric Meyer, referring to the police’s actions as Gestapo tactics, vowed to seek the maximum sanctions possible under the law. The Marion County Record plans to file a federal lawsuit in response to the unjust raid.
Incidents targeting journalists’ First Amendment-protected activities have been on the rise, with the Press Freedom Tracker recording at least 55 such incidents in the past year across the United States. This troubling trend reflects an environment where anti-press rhetoric is increasingly prevalent and, according to Seth Stern of the Freedom of the Press Foundation, creating a dangerous environment for journalists trying to do their jobs.
As this investigation unfolds, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of a free press and the protection of journalists’ rights to gather and report the news. The tragic death of Joan Meyer underscores the potentially devastating consequences of abusing power and suppressing freedom of the press, reminding us of the vital role journalism plays in upholding democracy.
