Investigative journalist Steve Baker found himself in the custody of the FBI on Friday, reportedly due to "non-violent misdemeanors" linked to his coverage of the January 6th Capitol riot, as stated by his employer, Blaze Media.

In video footage shared by Blaze Media, Baker was seen being escorted away by law enforcement during the arrest.

Blaze Media investigative journalist Steve Baker @TPC4USA has been arrested by the FBI over alleged crimes relating to the Jan. 6 riot. Read: https://t.co/YRvChFkLu3

— Andy Ngô 🏳️‍🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) March 1, 2024

The confirmation

The Blaze's report confirmed, "Blaze Media Investigative Journalist [Steve Baker] has now been taken into FBI custody for his J6 reporting."

Earlier in the week, Baker had revealed that his legal team had been informed of an arrest warrant issued by the FBI.

The directive instructed him to surrender himself to federal authorities on Friday in Dallas, Texas, regarding purported "alleged J6 crimes."

Baker responds

Taking to online platforms on Tuesday, Baker outlined the surrender procedure. He indicated that he was required to present himself at 7 a.m. on Friday in Texas to the FBI, following which he would be transported to the Dallas Courthouse for a 10 a.m. hearing before a magistrate.

Expressing frustration, Baker suggested that the authorities opted for a confrontational approach rather than issuing a simple order to appear.

He stated, "My attorneys have also been assured by the gov. that this will be an 'in and out' affair and that they have 'no intention' of detaining me."

The ongoing controversy

This development marks the latest in a string of arrests involving journalists who reported on the January 6th events, including David Medina and Owen Shroyer.

The arrest of journalists covering the Capitol riot has raised concerns about press freedom and the protection of journalists' rights to report on matters of public interest. It has also sparked debates about the potential chilling effect such actions could have on investigative journalism and the public's access to information.

Furthermore, the manner in which Baker's arrest unfolded underscores broader questions about the balance between national security concerns and First Amendment rights.

Critics argue that targeting journalists for their reporting on contentious political events sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the principles of a free press in a democratic society.

As Baker awaits his legal proceedings, the implications of his arrest cause concern for journalists and patriotic Americans who are watching the events three years after the events of Jan. 6, 2021.