Internal Concerns at CBS News Over Sourcing
Some CBS News employees expressed concerns regarding a report published on Wednesday that cited two anonymous "US officials." The report stated that an ICE officer, Jonathan Ross, who was involved in a fatal shooting in Minneapolis, "suffered internal bleeding to the torso" following the incident.
Report Details and Internal Reactions
CBS News initially shared the account on X (formerly Twitter), then published an article that also cited "two US officials briefed on his medical condition." The report generated public criticism on social media, questioning its sourcing and perceived alignment with the Trump administration's narrative.
Internally, the report prompted "huge internal concern" among some CBS News staff, according to emails reviewed by the Guardian. Other staff members viewed the discussions as routine editorial processes.
A medical producer at the network suggested inquiring about the officer's specific treatment before publication. David Reiter, CBS News senior vice-president, questioned the broadness of the "internal bleeding" diagnosis, noting that "videos from the scene showed Ross walking away after the incident."
Some CBS News staff, speaking anonymously, characterized the report as a "thinly-veiled, anonymous leak" by the Trump administration, suggesting it was intended to justify the shooting and maintain access to sources.
Network Response and Broader Context
A CBS News spokesperson stated that the network "went through its rigorous editorial process and decided it was reportable based on the reporting, the reporters, and the sourcing."
Other news organizations also reported on the claim. ABC News published an update citing "multiple US officials" without further details. Fox News cited a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, confirming the claim but acknowledging the unclear extent of the bleeding. The Guardian has not independently confirmed the report.
Since Bari Weiss became editor-in-chief in early October and Paramount Skydance acquired CBS last year, the network has faced accusations of favoritism towards the Trump administration. Larry Ellison, a friend of the president, is a significant financial backer of Paramount Skydance.