Dramatic Video: ABC Reporter Arrested at DNC

"The Insider" confirms that an ABC news producer was arrested near the Democratic National Convention in Denver on Wednesday, outraging the network.

Asa Eslocker is being charged with trespass, interference, and failure to follow a lawful order, according to Denver police officials. The charges are apparently based on a signed complaint from the Brown Palace Hotel, which is a central location for Democratic officials.

Jeffrey W. Schneider, SVP of ABC News tells us: "We might expect to see that kind of police behavior in Myanmar but not on a public sidewalk in Denver. Our reporter was simply trying to shoot video on a public sidewalk of publicly elected officials going in to meet with big money donors."

According to Schneider, Eslocker and a camera crew were attempting to take pictures of Democratic senators and VIP donors who were leaving a private meeting on the public sidewalk in front of the Brown Palace Hotel. The shoot was part of an investigation into the role of corporate lobbyists and wealthy donors at the DNC for "World News with Charles Gibson."

Denver authorities say: "Eslocker was advised many times starting at 9:00 a.m. to stop blocking the sidewalk and entryway to hotel prior to the arrest.

Video taken at the scene shows Eslocker being ordered to the side of the Brown Palace Hotel sidewalk entrance by a man in a Boulder County Sheriff's uniform, then being forced to the other side of the street.

"You're pushing me into the street!" exclaims Eslocker. "I was on public property on the sidewalk!"

Eslocker was later confronted by a team of five officers and a cigar-smoking Denver police sergeant, who first put his hand on Eslocker's neck, then twisted the producer's arm behind him to put on handcuffs and loaded him into the back of a police van.

He was released late in the day after posting $500 bond and is due in Court September 25 at 8:15 a.m.

Published 8/28/08 by the Insider

Comments (8)

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  • I have not heard anymore than a sentence about Geoge Clooney's Fundraiser for Obama in Switserland with ObJudy Floydama as the guest of honor. JC
    Anonymous 9/5/08 Reply
  • He ignored the police, he got what was coming. It's plain and simple except to dopes like him who feel more important.
    Anonymous 9/3/08 Reply
  • 1) The sidewalk is a public easement and CAN NOT be "off limits" for anyone, unless a judge has specifically signed such an order (restraining type of order), or unless someone is truly disorderly and has been given a trespass warning (even though...
    Anonymous 8/28/08 Reply
    • Oh, I'm sure he'll be paid well as part of Nancy Pelosi's security team.
      Anonymous 8/28/08
  • Gosh...when I saw this headline I thought it was about an ABC reporter's arrest in CHINA!

    Pathetic!
    astorhouston 8/28/08 Reply
  • he was very well warned. he asked for it
    Anonymous 8/28/08 Reply
  • That fat-scum cop should be arrested and charged CRIMINALLY with terrorism!
    Anonymous 8/28/08 Reply
  • Freedom of Speech?

    I am astounded by the ignorance that surrounds free speech, The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled towards maintaing the integrity of the First Amendment. In fact it has called the press "The fourth branch of government"....
    Anonymous 8/28/08 Reply