WASHINGTON, June 18,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement by
Emily Wilkins, the 117th
President of the National Press Club, on the news that photographer
Linda Tirado, the Club's 2020 John
Aubuchon Press Freedom Honoree, has entered hospice care as a
result of injuries suffered covering the 2020 Minneapolis unrest in
the wake of George Floyd case.
"We send our love and admiration to Linda Tirado, a
freelance photojournalist who we learned today has entered a
hospice in Tennessee. We are also
sending some funding to support the costs of her care.
"Ms. Tirado covered the 2020 riots in Minneapolis following the murder of
George Floyd. During those riots,
Tirado took all precautions trying to hold the line where police
instructed, wearing protective goggles and mask against tear gas,
which filled the air. During the chaotic action, officers aimed a
gun firing 'non-lethal' foam plastic bullets at journalists
including Tirado. The projectiles struck several journalists.
Tirado was hit in the eye despite her protective goggles. She lost
the eye.
"The Club recognized her work with the Aubuchon press
freedom award, which carries a $1,000
prize. We did not get to see her until after Covid, when she
visited the Club wearing a black patch. She said kids in the
airport would ask if she was a pirate. Yes, she whispered, she
was.
"Now we have learned that she has traumatic brain injury from
the blow and corresponding dementia. While she has battled, her
condition has continued to worsen to the point she is at life's end
and receiving palliative care. She was 38 at the time of her injury
and is now 42.
"Linda sued the Minneapolis
Police Department and received a settlement of $600,000 which was mostly absorbed in medical
fees. She has been unable to work or earn an income since the
incident.
"Linda's husband is doing his best to cover the bills for her
care, but they have to support two children as well. We can
help out by sending contributions to:
Venmo: Linda-Tirado-3."
Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading
professional organization for journalists. With more than 3,000
members representing nearly every major news organization, the Club
is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.
Contact: Bill McCarren
wmccarren@press.org for the National Press Club
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SOURCE National Press Club