A freelance photographer experienced an abrupt collision with law enforcement this past weekend during a protest at a Donald Trump rally in Lancaster. As reported by WGAL, Susan Stava, who was there to document the event, found herself on the ground, having been pushed by a Lancaster city police officer. "It happened so fast, like a car wreck. And I just thought, 'Oh, my God, what? Why am I on the ground?'" Stava recounted the incident, her astonishment mirrored by many who saw it unfold.
The incident occurred when a physical altercation attracted a crowd, including photographer Stava. As she approached to capture the events, a Lancaster police officer pushed her, causing her to fall. Despite her 35 years of experience covering events from city riots to the Jan. 6 riots in Washington, D.C., Stava stated, "I've never had this happen," according to LancasterOnline. A video obtained by the outlet shows the shove that made her stumble backward.
In response to the incident, the Lancaster City Police concluded an investigation, which determined that the officer in question followed the law, including the Bureau's training, policies, and procedures, as reported by Local 21 News. The police maintained that the action was necessary to manage a crowd that had begun to follow the detainee, noting the importance of safety for all during such public gatherings.
After the event, Stava sought medical attention. While no serious injuries were found, she felt lingering effects from the fall days later, similar to those after a car accident. Her concerns reflect a broader issue: journalists increasingly face risks while covering public events. “All of us who cover stuff want to feel very safe,” said Mary Haverstick, another local documentarian, expressing disappointment at the police's lack of preventive measures before the incident that led to Stava's fall, according to LancasterOnline.
