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White House officials are expressing outrage towards CNN and MSNBC for their decision not to broadcast Patty Morin’s heartfelt appeal to journalists during a press briefing at the White House.
Steven Cheung, assistant to the president and White House director of communications, took to social media on Wednesday to voice his discontent, stating, “SHAMEFUL that @CNN and @MSNBC refuses to take Angel Mom Patty Morin as she recounts the terrible tragedy of how an illegal killed her sweet daughter, Rachel.” This post drew attention and support from various quarters, including a notable response from Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, who replied with a simple yet poignant “100” emoji.
Patty Morin was present at the White House press briefing alongside press secretary Karoline Leavitt to discuss the murder of her daughter, Rachel Morin, by Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez in August 2023. The absence of live coverage from both media outlets during this significant moment prompted further criticism. While CNN later aired a clip from the briefing, MSNBC did not mention Rachel Morin at all during their programming.
The circumstances surrounding Rachel Morin’s tragic death are harrowing. The Maryland mother, a devoted parent of five, was jogging when she was brutally attacked, leading to her death at the hands of Martinez-Hernandez. A Maryland jury recently found him guilty on multiple charges, including first-degree murder and first-degree rape.
During her emotional address, Patty Morin implored journalists to report the disturbing realities surrounding violence and its connection to immigration, emphasizing that the conversation should focus on safeguarding children. She poignantly stated, “It’s more than just politics or votes… It’s about national security, protecting Americans, protecting our kids.” Morin also called out Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen for visiting El Salvador the same day, showing support for an illegal immigrant with known gang affiliations.
The response from the White House and other officials indicates a growing concern about media coverage of immigrant crime. Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy, outlined his views on social media, claiming “CNN’s and MSNBC’s contempt for the victims of migrant crime is reprehensible.” Moreover, Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, criticized the coverage by Comcast outlets, stating they have misled the public by misrepresenting the facts surrounding illegal immigrant incidents.
Carr’s remarks pointed to a larger issue regarding the responsibilities of major news organizations. He emphasized, “Comcast knows that federal law requires its licensed operations to serve the public interest. News distortion doesn’t cut it.” The implications of these statements suggest a push for accountability among media outlets when reporting sensitive and critical stories.
A recent study conducted by the Media Research Center highlighted a stark contrast in coverage, revealing that ABC, CBS, and NBC spent no time covering the trial of Martinez-Hernandez. However, a substantial 64 minutes was allocated to the story surrounding another illegal immigrant, revealing inconsistencies in reporting and potential biases in media coverage.
The mounting pressure on CNN and MSNBC to address their coverage choices is palpable. Fox News Digital reached out to both networks, as well as the White House, seeking comments but received no immediate responses.
As the debate continues, the conversation surrounding media responsibility and the portrayal of immigrant crime will likely remain a critical topic in the coming weeks. With emotional pleas from victims’ families, such as Patty Morin, the public is increasingly aware of the need for honest reporting that reflects the realities faced by families affected by violent crime.
This situation underscores the vital role that media outlets play in shaping public perception regarding crucial societal issues. As discussions surrounding immigration policy evolve, the demand for accurate and empathetic coverage becomes even more pressing. The responsibility lies not only with journalists but also with media executives to ensure that all voices, particularly those of victims, are heard and represented fairly.
Moving forward, it is essential for news organizations to reflect on their coverage strategies and the impact they have on public discourse. The outcry from officials and the public alike indicates an urgent need for change in how sensitive topics are addressed in the media.
