Ohio National Guard leader filmed shoving a journalist
Reporter Evan Lambert was later arrested outside of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's press conference.
The head of Ohio’s National Guard is drawing criticism after video showed him pushing a reporter at a press conference.
Newly released body camera footage shows part of the altercation, with Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr. arguing with NewsNation correspondent Evan Lambert inside a gymnasium where Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was giving a press conference. The footage, released Thursday, appears to contradict Harris’ initial claim that he acted in self-defense. The incident was recorded by an Ohio State Trooper’s body camera. NewsNation released the footage, showing Harris approach Lambert and jab his chest. Police separate the two and then demand the reporter leave.
The altercation at the press conference led to Lambert being escorted out of the building and arrested.
Harris, the Ohio adjutant general, released a statement on the matter, shared by NewsNation, said that he initially approached Lambert and his cameraman to get them to quiet down as the press conference had begun. He said the reporters demanded he come over, which led to an argument and Lambert “grew enraged” and “lurched” at the general.
“He is a much larger person than I am. At that point, I was convinced he was prepared to do harm to me. I instinctively put my hands on his chest to keep him from bumping into me, which I felt was inevitable if I had not protected myself,” Harris said.
Subscribe to Task & Purpose Today. Get the latest military news, entertainment, and gear in your inbox daily.
East Palestine Police Department’s report on the incident shares similar details, saying that two Ohio State Highway Patrol officers and Harris went to stop Lambert’s live broadcast. Harris told police that Lambert was “coming at him, in an aggressive manner” and the general “feeling threatened” pushed him away.
The footage does not show the full moments before Harris shoved Lambert.
As of press time, the Ohio National Guard did not respond to requests for comment on the matter. A spokesman for the Ohio National Guard confirmed to Military.com that Harris is the soldier in the video, but did not comment further.
DeWine’s press conference was held to give an update on the situation at East Palestine, Ohio, where a train derailed on Feb. 3, causing a fire and releasing hazardous chemicals. On Wednesday, Feb. 8, Ohio authorities said that it was safe for residents to return.
At a Pentagon briefing on Friday, Feb. 10, Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said that the Department of Defense does not condone Harris’ actions.
“That’s not acceptable behavior,” Ryder said. “The Secretary of Defense, the Department of Defense absolutely supports — strongly supports a free and independent press.”
Harris has served as adjutant general since 2019. He oversees a force of approximately 16,000 personnel.
The Ohio National Guard is currently working on cleaning up the site of the train derailment.
The latest on Task & Purpose
- Marine shown fighting with San Diego hotel staff in viral video charged with assault and battery
- Air Force cadet died of blood clot in lung, autopsy finds
- Airmen prepare to bid farewell to beloved ‘Big Sexy’ refueling tanker after 30 years of service
- The US appears to have used its missile full of swords in an airstrike in Yemen
- What the chances of a war between the US and China actually look like, according to experts
Want to write for Task & Purpose? Click here.
