Bay Area broadcast security guard shot, killed in attempted robbery of news crew

An unidentified reporter for San Francisco-based broadcaster KRON4 News was robbed at gunpoint while reporting in downtown Oakland, California, on Nov. 24, 2021. The security guard accompanying the reporter was shot in the confrontation and later died from his injuries.

KRON4 reported that the news crew was covering a recent robbery where 12 thieves donning masks and hoods raided a nearby clothing store. According to police, an assailant attempted to steal the news crew’s camera equipment at 12:19 p.m.

The armed security guard, Kevin Nishita, was shot in the lower abdomen; the reporter was not physically injured. KRON4 reported that Nishita, a retired police officer, died from his injuries on the morning of Nov. 27.

Police and the broadcast station are offering a reward of $32,500 for information leading to an arrest of those involved in the shooting. The investigation is still ongoing as of press time, according to reporting by KRON4 reporter Will Tran.

Jim Rose, KRON4’s vice president and general manager, said in a statement that the station regularly uses security guards to protect their reporters in the field. In a statement released after Nishita’s passing, Rose said:

“We are devastated by the loss of security guard and our friend, Kevin Nishita. Our deepest sympathy goes to Kevin’s wife, his children, his family, and to all his friends and colleagues. This senseless loss of life is due to yet another violent criminal act in the Bay Area. We hope that offering a reward will help lead to the arrest of those responsible so they can face justice for this terrible tragedy.”

Multiple other armed robberies took place in the Bay Area earlier this year.

The station did not respond to a request for further comment.