By Jeff Johnson
CNSNews.com Congressional Bureau Chief
September 14, 2001
(CNSNews.com) - Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, states the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
But some law enforcement officers in Washington, D.C. threatened members of the press with confiscation of equipment and questioning Friday.
At least two accounts of credentialed members of the news media being ordered not to take photographs or record videotape from public sidewalks in non-secure areas were learned of Friday.
One of those challenged by police was Jason Pierce, a staff writer for CNSNews.com. He was assigned to take still photographs in Washington, D.C. around the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the National Cathedral, and other areas of the city.
While standing on a public street outside the White House security area near Lafayette Park, Pierce asked the police officers if there was a good place to take some pictures of what was going on around the White House, Pierce said.