Rep. Andy Harris threatens student journalist with prosecution over recording
Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., threatened to refer a University of Maryland student journalist to prosecutors for recording a news conference, asserting incorrectly that state law required his permission. The confrontation occurred in a hallway following an Oct. 13 debate with Democratic challenger Dan Schwartz. Harris demanded that Cat Murphy, a master's student at the University of Maryland, stop recording, citing Maryland's two-party consent law. He stated, "You do not have my permission to record. If you record, we will refer you to the prosecutor." Murphy responded by noting that other journalists were already recording the event. Harris pointed at the student and reiterated that she was not allowed to record in a two-party state. When Murphy asked why she specifically was prohibited from recording, Harris said he refused to give her permission and claimed to know the law well. Other reporters attempted to explain that the interview was taking place in a public forum, but Harris insisted that it made no difference. He asked someone in the room to take Murphy's camera and called for an officer, claiming she was violating the law on two-party recording. Harris ended the news conference and exited, telling those remaining to thank Murphy profusely for ruining their chances to get answers. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press notes that Maryland's consent requirement applies only to private conversations. Footage of the incident went viral, leading to widespread mockery of Harris for misinterpreting the law. Dean Rafael Lorente of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism defended Murphy in a statement, stating she was credentialed as a reporter for the Capital News Service and was recording openly in a public space, which is her legal right. Lorente expressed pride in how Murphy handled the difficult situation. Harris represents Maryland's 1st Congressional District and is the only Republican in Maryland's congressional delegation. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. The college did not immediately respond when asked for comment from Murphy. Murphy told CNN that she sought clarification after Harris suggested during the debate that the war in Iran could have gone smoother.
Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., threatened to refer a University of Maryland student journalist to prosecutors for recording a news conference, asserting incorrectly that state law required his permission. The confrontation occurred in a hallway following an Oct. 13 debate with Democratic challenger Dan Schwartz. Harris demanded that Cat Murphy, a master's student at the University of Maryland, stop recording, citing Maryland's two-party consent law. He stated, "You do not have my permission to record. If you record, we will refer you to the prosecutor." Murphy responded by noting that other journalists were already recording the event. Harris pointed at the student and reiterated that she was not allowed to record in a two-party state. When Murphy asked why she specifically was prohibited from recording, Harris said he refused to give her permission and claimed to know the law well. Other reporters attempted to explain that the interview was taking place in a public forum, but Harris insisted that it made no difference. He asked someone in the room to take Murphy's camera and called for an officer, claiming she was violating the law on two-party recording. Harris ended the news conference and exited, telling those remaining to thank Murphy profusely for ruining their chances to get answers. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press notes that Maryland's consent requirement applies only to private conversations. Footage of the incident went viral, leading to widespread mockery of Harris for misinterpreting the law. Dean Rafael Lorente of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism defended Murphy in a statement, stating she was credentialed as a reporter for the Capital News Service and was recording openly in a public space, which is her legal right. Lorente expressed pride in how Murphy handled the difficult situation. Harris represents Maryland's 1st Congressional District and is the only Republican in Maryland's congressional delegation. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. The college did not immediately respond when asked for comment from Murphy. Murphy told CNN that she sought clarification after Harris suggested during the debate that the war in Iran could have gone smoother.