CBC News photojournalist attacked at pro-Trump protest in Vancouver during U.S. Capitol insurrection

January 6 , 2021

Physical attack, Physical attack in 2021

CBC News photojournalist Ben Nelms was punched in the face by a protester while documenting a pro-Trump protest in downtown Vancouver on Jan. 6, 2021.

Nelms tweeted still images of a masked assailant lunging at him.

Unprovoked violence against anyone, including members of the media is wrong. Thanks everyone for the support, I’m doing well. pic.twitter.com/rJ9No7CJxy
— Ben Nelms (@Ben_Nelms) January 7, 2021

“He was upset that I, along with other members of the media, were taking pictures and reporting the event,” Nelms told CBC News.

Nelms said the punch left his face numb, but he was not seriously injured.

Police said the assailant fled the scene before officers arrived, but Nelms spotted him at another protest months later and was able to photograph him without a mask and call police, reported CBC.

Chris Savva pleaded guilty to the assault and received a conditional discharge on Sept. 2, 2022.

protest U.S. politics