Breaking: Reporters Now Banned From Filming Senators in Capitol Building Hallways

Clear First Amendment Violation

In what likely is a blatantly unconstitutional move reporters have just been banned from filming Senators in the hallways of the U.S. Capitol. Interviews of Senators frequently take place in those hallways, and reporters often can be seen asking lawmakers questions as they travel through the building. 

NBC News Capitol Hill Correspondent Kasie Hunt, who daily appears on MSNBC, often from the Capitol building, broke the news via Twitter:

She notes not only does it break years of precedence, but reporters must obtain permission from both the Senator and the Senate Rules Committee to do their reporting. Journalists have strong First Amendment protections, and this new move, presumably by the GOP, clearly violates them.

In a rare move, Hunt also posted a public plea:

Response on Twitter was immediate:

U.S. Democratic Senators:

MSNBC Producer:

HuffPost Politics reporters:

ThinkProgress Editor and Founder:

NBC News political reporter:

Others:

UPDATE I: 2:07 PM EDT –
Before this article was published NCRM emailed the Director of the Senate Radio TV Press Gallery, Mike Mastrian. Moree than 90 minutes later we have yet to receive a response.

Developing.

To comment on this article and other NCRM content, visit our Facebook page.

This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.