From The Banner · Brenda Wintrode · · 1m
U.S. Rep. Andy Harris refuses student reporter apology
U.S. Rep. Andy Harris refuses student reporter apology after debate clash.
In brief
U.S. Rep. Andy Harris refuses student reporter apology after debate clash. U.S. Rep. Andy Harris declined to apologize to student reporter Cat Murphy after threatening prosecution for recording his debate. Originally reported by The Banner.
U.S. Rep. Andy Harris
U.S. Rep. Andy Harris declined to apologize for his confrontation with a student journalist following a debate.
Student reporter Cat Murphy
Cat Murphy, a University of Maryland graduate student and Capital News Service reporter, recorded Harris during his debate.
Confrontation details
Harris threatened to have Murphy prosecuted for violating Maryland’s wiretap law after she refused to stop recording him.
Harris’ justification
Harris claimed Murphy criticized his news conference and falsely accused him of wiretap law violations during the debate.
Harris’ response
Harris said he would not apologize because Murphy did not ask questions and criticized his news conference.
Harris’ legal claim
Harris incorrectly stated Maryland’s wiretap law requires consent for recording public conversations, not private ones.
The headline
U.S. Rep. Andy Harris declined to apologize to student reporter Cat Murphy after threatening prosecution for recording his debate.
