Czech Journalists Robbed at Gunpoint While Covering APEC Summit in San Francisco
Two Czech journalists who were in San Francisco to cover the APEC Summit were robbed at gunpoint on Sunday, according to police. The incident occurred when three armed suspects approached the journalists and demanded their production equipment before driving away. The San Francisco Police Department is currently investigating the incident.
Television journalist Bohumil Vostal confirmed that he and his cameraman Milan Nosek were the victims of the robbery. They had spent the day capturing footage of the city before being approached by the armed suspects. The robbers took equipment valued at over $18,000, and Vostal and his team are eager to recover their footage.
San Francisco, which is hosting the week-long APEC summit, expects up to 20,000 visitors from over 20 countries, including President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Despite the incident, the city remains committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and visitors. Mayor London Breed’s office issued a statement expressing their determination to investigate and prosecute crimes diligently.
When asked about concerns regarding notable figures entering potentially dangerous areas of the city, Breed stressed that San Francisco does not seek to hide its challenges. She hoped that visitors would experience the wonderful parts of the city while being aware of the issues it faces.
San Francisco has recently witnessed an increase in robberies, with a 13.7 percent rise compared to the previous year. In a survey conducted by the city government, just over a third of respondents claimed to feel safe in the city day and night.
The robbery targeting the Czech journalists highlights the need for continued efforts to combat crime in San Francisco. The incident serves as a reminder that despite its prominent status as a summit host, the city still grapples with security concerns. The San Francisco Police Department’s ongoing investigation and the city’s commitment to aggressively prosecute criminals aim to address these issues and ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.
