Pols & Politics: 2 Boston Globe Reporters Attacked in Hot Spot Neighborhood

Journalists Attacked in South End Amid Rising Tensions

Two Boston Globe reporters were attacked in the South End while attempting to report on the open-air drug market and violence that has spread from Mass and Cass into surrounding neighborhoods. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of journalists covering dangerous areas, prompting the newspaper to consider new measures for its staff.

The Boston Guardian identified the two Globe staffers as Niki Griswold, a reporter, and Barry Chin, a photographer. According to the report, the attack also involved two South End residents who were accompanying the journalists. The incident occurred near Rosie’s Place on Harrison Avenue. The Boston Globe confirmed the details through an internal memo sent to the newsroom by editor Nancy Barnes, which was later published by Media Nation’s Dan Kennedy.

In the memo, Barnes expressed concern over the situation at Mass and Cass, stating that it has evolved in recent years. She mentioned that the publication is considering requiring security for anyone going to the area. “We will discuss this with our reporting teams and the rest of the company,” she reportedly wrote.

According to the Boston Guardian, the situation escalated when the Globe photographer began taking photos to document instances of open-air drug use in the area. A known hotspot for Mass and Cass spillover, the location has become increasingly dangerous. The report states that when Chin started taking photos, a drug user approached them and threatened them with a “cat’s paw” weapon—a metal rod with nails sticking out. The group managed to deter the individual, but others in the area, identified as dealers, became involved.

One of the residents told the Guardian that the second man who confronted their group was more threatening. He wanted to take the camera and asked them to delete the pictures. The resident claimed they were able to fend off the attacker, giving the group time to run and seek shelter so they could call the police.

GBH investigative reporter Tori Bedford responded to the Globe editor’s internal memo on social media, offering some security advice for journalists working in high-risk areas. “Don’t openly carry a big camera and point it at people who don’t want to be photographed, and don’t take photos of people—especially faces—without permission,” she wrote.

This is not the first time someone has faced threats for taking photos at Mass and Cass. Then-Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson had her phone snatched for taking photos at the location two years ago. The incident, which occurred around 112 Southampton St., was captured on police bodycam footage obtained by the Herald. In the video, one woman in the area could be heard telling Fernandes Anderson, “Listen, you was going to be taking pictures.”

Barnes’ internal memo also mentions that the attack on the journalists has led the publication to reach out to Poynter and the Dart Institute for training on covering protests or other points of contact. “We will have a fuller conversation with our reporters and photographers who cover Mass and Cass and other trouble spots to discuss best practices for journalists in the weeks and months ahead,” she reportedly wrote.

Calls for Increased Police Presence

The incident prompted Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn, who has been in touch with both South End residents involved in the attack, to write an email to BPD Commissioner Michael Cox and Superintendent Robert Ciccolo on July 17. Flynn requested a complete investigation into what happened and urged for a significant increase in police presence in the affected neighborhoods.

“I am writing to respectfully ask for a complete investigation to determine what happened and what led to the conditions for this assault, and to significantly increase police presence in these impacted neighborhoods,” he wrote. “Those that were involved in the assault should be arrested and held accountable in court. We must have zero tolerance for violence and criminal activity in any neighborhood. It is not safe in and around Mass and Cass any longer. We need a new aggressive public safety plan to address the open drug use, dealing and violent crime that is taking place there frequently.”

Flynn, who represents part of the South End, described the situation at and around Mass and Cass as a “public health and public safety emergency.” His concerns reflect growing frustrations among residents and officials about the ongoing issues in the area.