On live television, Minnesota police arrest CNN team covering protests against George Floyd's death

The Minnesota police arrested a CNN team during a live broadcast of the protests in Minneapolis. The protests broke out after the death of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, while in police custody.

Omar Jimenez, a CNN journalist, was arrested with his producer and cameraperson, and placed in handcuffs. According to the Guardian, Jimenez and three others were arrested.

A video shot by the CNN team has Jimenez's voice telling police forces, "We are live on the air at the moment...We are one team. Put us back where you want us, we're getting out of your way. Just let us know...Wherever you want us, we will go, we will get out of your way as you're advancing through the intersection."

The camera pans to Jimenez being placed in handcuffs. He asks, "Why am I under arrest, sir?" A voice says, "We're not sure why our correspondent is being arrested."

CNN reported that Jimenez was placed in police custody "after clearly identifying himself to officers". "The CNN camera was also taken into custody and continued to record as the crew was handcuffed, with police seemingly unaware that the camera was still on," the report said.

Journalists in the US were quick to respond on Twitter.

Protests broke out across the US after George Floyd died when a white police officer knelt on his neck, even as Floyd told them he could not breathe.

Update: CNN confirmed that Jimenez and the crew were later released.

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