In a move that might just make one’s faith in the FBI and Department of Justice wobble slightly less, the agencies have taken action against the troubling trend of left-wing violence against journalists. Savannah Hernandez, a young conservative journalist, and others like her have been on the receiving end of this violence for quite some time. It seems that the FBI and DOJ have finally decided that enough is enough. One might even say that they acted swiftly—a term we don’t often associate with governmental bodies. These indictments against perpetrators of violence may just send a message that cracking a few eggs might actually result in an omelet this time around.
Savannah is understandably grateful for the attention and action on this issue. For too many years, she and others have had to bear the brunt of unchecked aggression simply for covering and reporting news. It’s a revelation to see the legal system finally peeking out from its blinds and taking a stand. She hopes these measures set a precedent, one that communicates loudly to left-wing extremists that they can no longer engage in these malicious acts without consequences. At last, we see a glimmer of hope that justice won’t just be a hollow word we hear in courtrooms.
The real question, however, is whether these actions will have the teeth they promise. With some local jurisdictions—let’s call them out, Hennepin County—displaying a lack of eagerness to press charges even with video evidence, there’s a long road ahead. Critics argue that the charges don’t go nearly far enough. After all, fifth-degree assault seems like a slap on the wrist, particularly when there’s video evidence abundant enough to have its own YouTube channel. One might wonder if the consequences will be more like a gentle pat on the back rather than a firm reprimand.
It’s not just about individual instances of assault, either. There’s a certain criminality, akin to organized crime, when groups feel empowered to attack under the guise of protest. While the First Amendment is a cherished right, it’s not a license to intimidate and attack others, especially those simply documenting events. There’s a call from many corners for broader measures—something along the lines of RICO charges, to dismantle the organized nature of these lawless acts. Protest is a right, but assault shouldn’t come as a special feature of that package.
Ultimately, this action by the FBI and DOJ might be the first step toward a stand against this rampant violence. Savannah and her colleagues can only hope that their ordeal contributes to a significant change. For too long, they’ve been subjected to violence while reporting the truth. While the journey toward fair justice is still laden with hurdles, one can appreciate this as a foundational move in the right direction. Let’s hope it translates into real deterrents for those who believe violence is an acceptable response to disagreement.
