Freelance photojournalist detained, cited at Reno rally

Freelance photojournalist Eric Marks was handcuffed and issued a citation while documenting a gathering in support of Palestine in Reno, Nevada, on Oct. 20, 2023, according to a news report.

This is Reno reported that Marks, whose website says he freelances for the digital news outlet as well as the Reno News & Review, was among multiple members of the press documenting the Reno Rally for Palestine in front of the Bruce R. Thompson Federal Building and Courthouse. The outlet published his photo-essay from the rally.

Marks told the outlet that while members of the press have often reported on protests from the median on Virginia Street, that day the police ordered them to walk across the street despite oncoming traffic. Marks said he refused.

A police spokesperson told This is Reno that Marks was told to go to the east sidewalk, toward the courthouse, and was warned to avoid the median. Marks said he followed their directions, but that officers ordered them to walk into traffic twice, which This is Reno confirmed in video from the incident.

An officer then grabbed Marks, twisted his arm behind his back and rushed him across the street before handcuffing and detaining him for 30 minutes in a nearby parking garage, according to the outlet.

Marks told This is Reno that officers told him he was under arrest and ultimately gave him a citation for crossing a roadway outside of a marked crosswalk, the state’s jaywalking law.

Marks did not respond to requests for comment. The Reno Police Department did not immediately respond to a voicemail requesting additional information.