NEW BRUNSWICK – Charlie Kratovil, editor of New Brunswick Today, was forcibly removed by CNN analyst, April Ryan’s bodyguard one minute into her speech.
Kratovil was invited to attend the 4th annual 2019 NJ Parent Summit, held at The Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center in New Brunswick, NJ. The three day event was held during Aug 2-4. On August 3, Kratovil arrived, per instructions from Mercury LLC PR rep Juan Melli, met on-site with Will Herberich.
Kratovil video-taped almost 50 minutes worth of footage including comments from Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, “Parent of the Year” awards, and a musical performance by Leah Jenea, a Newark based performer. When Rep. Payne introduced April Ryan on stage, Ryan’s bodyguard approached Kratovil and “threatened to take down” Kratovil’s camera if Kratovil did not do so willingly.
In Charlie’s own words, “I declined to acquiesce to this threat from a stranger.”
Shennell McCloud, executive director of “Project Ready NJ” later told Kratovil that Ryan would not take the stage until the camera was gone. Ryan took the stage moments later. The bodyguard, Joel Morris, then committed 3rd degree theft of movable property and made haste towards lobby of hotel. Kratovil returned to collect his remaining gear and caught up with the thief.
In the lobby after Kratovil was returned his belongings, the incident became violent and Mr. Morris began to assault Kratovil and violently remove him from the hotel. According to Kratovil’s footage, the hotel staff appeared to be more aligned with following the orders given by the traveling bodyguard, Joel Morris, versus the local journalist, Charlie Kratovil.
Kratovil sustained injury to his forearm and shoulder per the actions of April Ryan’s bodyguard, Joel Morris. Kratovil intends to press charges.
#EyesOnNJ News reached out to all listed sponsors of the event
Project Ready returned an undeliverable message notifcation from their general mailbox and After-School All-Stars New Jersey offered this response:
“
Hi John,
After-School All-Stars participates in many community-based events in the areas of education and youth development. Ultimately, our mission is to help low-income students succeed in school and life by providing free, comprehensive afterschool programs. If you have any other questions about our work, please visit our website or our annual report. www.afterschoolallstars.org and www.afterschoolallstars.org/2018ar
April Ryan or her PR rep Pam offered no response to myself or any other media outlets regarding the violent removal of New Brunswick Today editor, Charlie Kratovil.
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