Armed guards to protect OAN headquarters during protest

KEN STONE

City News Service

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - San Diego-based One America News Network has hired armed guards to protect employees during a scheduled protest against the network today.

``There will be an increased security presence onsite,'' news director Chris Schickedanz wrote in a staff memo Friday obtained by Times of San Diego.

``The police are aware of the situation and are monitoring,'' the memo added. ``The gate will be locked and employee badges will be required for entry. There will be no entry or exit between the hours of 11a & 4p.''

Schickedanz didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

But late Friday, CEO and founder Robert Herring Sr. confirmed via email: "We do have armed guards, but I don't think telling everyone who, when and where would be very smart.''

He said OAN was working with the San Diego Police Department ``and have great respect for them. We have no fear as you know we are well taken care of.''

As for critics of the conservative media outlet -- which is more favorable in its coverage of President Donald Trump than most other networks -- he said: ``I wish they would watch news and educate themselves on what is going on.''

On Tuesday, Rep. Scott Peters called on OANN to issue a public apology and retraction of a story about the injury of a 75-year-old man by police in Buffalo, New York.

John Brunelle of La Mesa is one of the organizers of Saturday's protest. He said he was made aware of the staff email earlier Friday.

``I'm honestly not too concerned with it,'' he said. ``Our plan is to have a peaceful protest that draws attention to the fact that OANN is based out of San Diego and does not represent the values of our community. We have absolutely no intention of causing and disturbances or problems for anybody present at the facility on Saturday.''

A 40-year-old stagehand and video specialist with IATSE Local 122, Brunelle said he wasn't certain how many people would turn out for the protest - - one of several planned in San Diego on various issues.

``I was honestly hoping for a small but passionate group, but it seems that things may have gained a bit of momentum,'' he said via text. ``If I had to guess, I would say maybe around 100 participants should show up.''

Krystin Cline, 28, another protest organizer, said the decision to bring in armed guards was ``just as inappropriate as having militarized police.''

Also a La Mesan and IATSE Local 122 stagehand, she added: ``It's better to try to inspire change and respect then to go directly to fear and intimidation.''

The 160-word employee memo went on to say: ``You need to be here, or gone for the day, by 11 (a.m.) -- or be willing to wait until 4 (p.m.) This is being done to ensure no one is able to get into the facility with the gate opening and closing during the planned rally time.''

The protest was promoted on social media, including a Facebook event page.