Minneapolis ICE Protester Accidentally Photographs Self in Terrifying Scene.
A dramatic photo from a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis shows a protester lying face down on the ground, surrounded by riot gear-clad law enforcement officers. The image was captured using a Leica camera, which miraculously survived the ordeal with hardly a scratch.
John Abernathy, who posted the photo online, claims that he was holding his Leica M10 and was subjected to pepper spray directly into his eye. He also alleges that he was held down by law enforcement officers and that a tear gas canister went off near his face. However, not everyone believes his story.
According to ICE, protesters at the event "threw objects" and shouted profanities, but the agency does not mention expensive cameras being among the objects. In fact, ICE claims they poured water on the roads to create icy, hazardous conditions.
The photo has sparked a heated debate about the role of photography in documenting protests and the treatment of protesters by law enforcement. Some have praised Abernathy for his bravery, while others have questioned his account of events.
If you're interested in buying a camera that can withstand such abuse, Leica's M10 is said to be an excellent choice. The all-black version of the camera, which appears to be the one used by Abernathy, retails for around $4,595. The camera's solid brass construction and scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass ensure it can "effortlessly resist the adversities of everyday life." However, as one Leica enthusiast pointed out, there's no need to stress test a camera like this in real life.
The incident highlights the risks faced by protesters at demonstrations against ICE operations. As Lucas Ropek noted, Leica cameras come with unique features that appeal to serious photographers, but they're not designed for combat. The real heroes are those who risk their safety to document and report on these events.
In a bizarre twist, the photo has sparked a debate about consumerism and the role of photography in our society. Some have joked about buying Leica cameras as a way to show support for protesters, while others have questioned whether this is an appropriate way to engage with social issues. Whatever your stance, one thing is clear: photography has a crucial role to play in documenting protests and holding those in power accountable.
As the protests continue, it's essential to remember that the right to peaceful assembly and free speech are fundamental rights that should be protected at all costs. The Leica M10 may have survived its ordeal with minimal damage, but the true heroes are those who risk their safety to fight for what they believe in.
A dramatic photo from a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis shows a protester lying face down on the ground, surrounded by riot gear-clad law enforcement officers. The image was captured using a Leica camera, which miraculously survived the ordeal with hardly a scratch.
John Abernathy, who posted the photo online, claims that he was holding his Leica M10 and was subjected to pepper spray directly into his eye. He also alleges that he was held down by law enforcement officers and that a tear gas canister went off near his face. However, not everyone believes his story.
According to ICE, protesters at the event "threw objects" and shouted profanities, but the agency does not mention expensive cameras being among the objects. In fact, ICE claims they poured water on the roads to create icy, hazardous conditions.
The photo has sparked a heated debate about the role of photography in documenting protests and the treatment of protesters by law enforcement. Some have praised Abernathy for his bravery, while others have questioned his account of events.
If you're interested in buying a camera that can withstand such abuse, Leica's M10 is said to be an excellent choice. The all-black version of the camera, which appears to be the one used by Abernathy, retails for around $4,595. The camera's solid brass construction and scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass ensure it can "effortlessly resist the adversities of everyday life." However, as one Leica enthusiast pointed out, there's no need to stress test a camera like this in real life.
The incident highlights the risks faced by protesters at demonstrations against ICE operations. As Lucas Ropek noted, Leica cameras come with unique features that appeal to serious photographers, but they're not designed for combat. The real heroes are those who risk their safety to document and report on these events.
In a bizarre twist, the photo has sparked a debate about consumerism and the role of photography in our society. Some have joked about buying Leica cameras as a way to show support for protesters, while others have questioned whether this is an appropriate way to engage with social issues. Whatever your stance, one thing is clear: photography has a crucial role to play in documenting protests and holding those in power accountable.
As the protests continue, it's essential to remember that the right to peaceful assembly and free speech are fundamental rights that should be protected at all costs. The Leica M10 may have survived its ordeal with minimal damage, but the true heroes are those who risk their safety to fight for what they believe in.
It's like something out of a movie! 
And can you even imagine having to go through that? Holding your camera and being pepper sprayed directly into the eye... it's just awful 
. But at the same time, I think it's amazing that John Abernathy documented this whole thing with his Leica M10 
. It's like he became a hero in his own right, you know? 
. They're meant to capture beautiful moments and tell important stories. But what a powerful reminder of the risks we take as protesters when we try to bring attention to these issues 
.
, but I guess it's also kind of amazing how much attention this one photo can get 
. Whatever way you look at it, though, it's a super powerful reminder of the importance of our right to peaceful assembly and free speech 
.
. Meanwhile, I'm over here thinking about all the other people who got hurt that day and how their stories aren't being told 
.
. Like, why did that protester just happen to be holding a Leica M10 when all the chaos went down? And what's with ICE trying to spin it like protesters threw objects at them and not, say, using pepper spray on someone? 
. I mean, if you wanna support those fighting against ICE, buy a Leica and take some sweet pics, but don't pretend like it's about the protest itself... that's just consumerism 
this is so crazy! I mean, can you even imagine being in that situation? 
holding a $4,595 camera when you could be holding onto your life 
and what's up with law enforcement using pepper spray and tear gas in the first place? 
I guess that's just part of the problem we need to keep talking about 
. And btw, Leica is already like, super expensive 
so maybe this whole thing just became a great sales pitch for their camera 
and I think it's amazing that people are still passionate enough about these issues to risk getting arrested or injured 
.
I'm literally shook by this whole incident and I think we need to stand with our protesting friends more than ever!