Syracuse, N.Y. – Two people were hurt, three people were charged, and a reporter was detained after a fight erupted for a second time this week at the Onondaga County Courthouse.
Three people are now facing charges after a fight that broke out between family and friends of murder defendant Sangsouriyanh Maniphonh and the victim Jonathan Diaz around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday Maniphonh is accused of gunning down Diaz early Thanksgiving Morning last year in Armory Square.
Felipe Diaz, Rohanny Diaz, and Jahquan Bey were all charged with Disorderly Conduct while Felipe was slapped with a misdemeanor assault charge. A man and a woman were taken to St. Joe's Hospital to be treated for their injuries.
Post-Standard reporter Douglas Dowty was taking pictures in a public area of the Courthouse when moments later, police swarmed around Dowty and seized his phone and placed him in handcuffs. Dowty was detained briefly before he was released with little reason given for his detainment.
The Syracuse Press Club has condemned an incident saying in a statement that they stand with any other journalist who has been treated like a criminal for simply doing their jobs.