It’s an open secret that most members of the media have grumbled at the inclusion of Jim Hoft’s far right blog, The Gateway Pundit in the White House briefing room. For Fox Radio reporter, Jon Decker, it finally became too much.
According to BuzzFeed’s White House correspondent Adrian Carrasquillo, Decker decided to very publicly and very loudly sound off against Gateway Pundit’s White House correspondent Lucian Wintrich in the press room.
“They hate blacks, Jews, Hispanics,” Decker said of The Gateway Pundit.
Fox News Radio John Decker just loudly told everyone in briefing room that Gateway Pundit is here “they hate blacks, Jews, Hispanics.” Wild
— Adrian Carrasquillo (@Carrasquillo) March 10, 2017
He was speaking to Lucian Wintrich. He said it twice, pointing to him, so everyone knew who he was. https://t.co/42njWQQ0fX
— Adrian Carrasquillo (@Carrasquillo) March 10, 2017
On his own Twitter page, Wintrich provided more details, and announced that he was pressing charges.
Jon Decker asulted me at today’s briefing. @FoxNews – is this behavior something you tolerate over there? He’s sick .https://t.co/gzZhhIzOMD pic.twitter.com/ThppoHpRQw
— Lucian B. Wintrich (@lucianwintrich) March 10, 2017
John Decker also asulted me, pushing me in the break room & then grabbing my arm in the briefing room while shouting that I’m a nazi. https://t.co/RiVM1yYCJv
— Lucian B. Wintrich (@lucianwintrich) March 10, 2017
After this briefing, I am going to be filing assult and harassment charges against Jon Decker. https://t.co/RiVM1yYCJv
— Lucian B. Wintrich (@lucianwintrich) March 10, 2017
The incident caused a minor stir with Wintrich seemingly lecturing a small gaggle of reporters in the immediate aftermath outside the White House.
The Gateway Pundit guy is now holding a gaggle outside the White House because nothing matters pic.twitter.com/lxgsjUtDeF
— Ben Jacobs (@Bencjacobs) March 10, 2017
Decker later issued the following statement regarding the charges:
“Earlier today I had a conversation with a representative from the online publication Gateway Pundit. The conversation was straightforward and direct. I also informed the full White House pool that this representative was present in the Briefing Room. At no time did I accost or assault this individual. More than a dozen witnesses will attest to this fact.”
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