Security group teaches self-defense in wake of journalist harassment

Wednesday morning, an active military member working with the Soteric Group came to KRDO to teach some essentials about safety.

It was an important lesson for many of the journalists working at the station due to the recent climate when it comes to news media. In recent years, people working in the news have been increasingly harassed or attacked while doing their job. Our own reporters have had to deal with potential threats from people at scenes several times in the past year.

Back in 2015, a disgruntled former employee killed a live TV crew in Virginia before taking his own life.

This class was timely in that we were able to learn these skills to apply to our everyday lives. We were able to learn what to do when being attacked from the front, from behind, at your car and even with a weapon.

“The more people learn how to protect themselves, the safer people are in general,” said Ben Skee. Skee is active duty Air Force and was in charge of teaching the basics in countering attacks.

Our own Shannon Brinias, Kolby Crossley and Hanna Knutson participated in the training. They all say this is something that will help whether it’s out in the field early in the morning, or for anyone to just be prepared for the unexpected.

Disclosure: Soteric Group owner Cindy Gillis is a family member of a KRDO employee.