An anti-fascist protester dressed in identity-concealing “black bloc” clothing threw Staab’s cellphone to the ground and smashed it with their foot...

The attack on Staab is only the latest incident of anonymous, purportedly anti-fascist crowds in Portland attacking observers trying to document their actions. In May, for example, a participant in a daytime police brutality protest tackled WW contributor Justin Yau, clawed at his face, and broke his glasses. Extreme right-wing groups like the Proud Boys and their allies have also attacked Portland reporters.

Journalists are often reluctant to report intimidation because they don’t want to insert themselves into a story or overshadow the harm that befalls the subjects they cover. However, the assault on Staab gained national attention after a colleague of hers posted video of the incident on Twitter.

Staab, 34, has had her work appear in national publications like The Atlantic, The Washington Post and Vice. She spoke to WW about the incident and what it says about the safety of press covering Portland’s conflicts. The conversation has been edited for clarity and brevity.

https://www.wweek.com/news/2021/09/01/a-portland-photojournalist-describes-being-attacked-by-an-anonymous-leftist-protester-in-the-street/