Alabama TV Reporter Attacked By Politician

Amos Newsome

A Dothan, AL Commissioner was arrested Tuesday afternoon and charged with third-degree assault following an incident which resulted in Newsome striking a television reporter twice with an open hand.

Amos Newsome, 82, was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon. He was released from jail Tuesday night on a signature bond.

The Dothan Eagle reports Newsome struck WTVY reporter Ken Curtis in the face following Tuesday’s Dothan City Commission meeting as Newsome was leaving to get in his van.

Ken Curtis

Video shot by another WTVY reporter showed Curtis approaching Newsome to ask him about voter fraud allegations connected to his 2013 election. When Curtis asked Newsome if he planned to resign, Newsome struck him with an open hand, causing Curtis to bleed on his right cheek.

Third degree assault is a Class A misdemeanor.

WTVY Vice President and General Manager Spencer Bienvenu released the following statement Tuesday afternoon:

“WTVY is extremely disappointed and horrified by the actions of Dothan City Commissioner Amos Newsome for his unwarranted physical attack on one of our employees. We understand that holding political office can be stressful, but that never warrants unwanted physical contact, let alone an open, public assault. Our employee was attacked in the course of doing their job, which they are entitled to do without the fear of physical violence. 

Freedom of the press is a guaranteed right, one that should allow us to do our jobs in a safe, non-threatening environment. WTVY intends to press charges against Commissioner Newsome, to ensure that no one else will be attacked in the course of doing their job. 

We’re grateful for the relationship that we continue to have with the Dothan City Commission and our elected officials.”