American Journalist Dylan Collins Joins Calls for Justice
On December 4, 2025, U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large) joined forces with prominent organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Amnesty International USA, demanding accountability for Israel’s systematic targeting of journalists since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2023. This coalition aims to shed light on the troubling pattern of assaults against the press, particularly in light of the traumatic events that affected journalist Dylan Collins.
The Incident Behind the Outrage
Dylan Collins, a U.S. citizen and video journalist for Agence France-Presse (AFP), was severely injured in a “double-tap” attack carried out by Israeli forces on October 13, 2023. The attack targeted a group of seven journalists who were clearly identifiable as members of the press. Tragically, the strike took the life of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah, while fellow AFP photojournalist Christina Assi sustained critical injuries, including the amputation of her right leg.
This incident marked a grim milestone as the first documented case of Israeli forces deliberately targeting journalists after October 7. CPJ later reported that at least 59 journalists and media workers had been killed by Israeli forces, a classification that the organization denotes as outright murders.
The Call for Accountability
During a press conference, Senator Welch emphasized the findings from his office’s communications with both the Israeli and U.S. governments regarding the investigations into the attack that injured Collins. As the only American known to have survived this particular attack, Collins himself also participated in the conference, underscoring the critical need for justice.
The assault on Collins and his colleagues raises significant ethical and legal questions. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have independently investigated and concluded that Israeli forces conducted what appears to be a deliberate attack on recognizable media personnel. This raises serious implications under international law, which categorizes deliberate attacks on civilians as war crimes.
The Deadly Environment for Journalists
Since the outbreak of conflict on October 7, 2023, the environment for journalists has been perilously dangerous. According to CPJ, this period has been the deadliest on record for journalists, with approximately 246 journalists and media workers killed in this span, primarily in the occupied Gaza Strip. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for protective measures and accountability in such high-risk zones.
Investigative Efforts and Government Response
After sustaining injuries, Collins promptly reported the attack to the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and later provided video evidence of the double-tap strike to investigators from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security. Despite these efforts, calls for an independent U.S. investigation into the October 13 attack have gone unanswered. As of October 22, 2024, a group of 12 members of Congress formally requested the Biden Administration to initiate an investigation, but so far, there has been no progress.
CPJ’s report from May 2023 highlighted a grim reality: over two decades, at least 20 journalists have been killed by the Israeli military without any accountability for these deaths. This historical context amplifies the outrage over Collins’s case and raises questions about what measures will be taken moving forward.
Who is Involved?
The upcoming press conference scheduled for December 11, 2025, is set to feature:
- Senator Peter Welch (D-VT)
- Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
- Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large)
- Dylan Collins, AFP video journalist and survivor of the October 13 attack
- Amelia Evans, advocacy director at the Committee to Protect Journalists
- Elizabeth Rghebi, advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International USA
This event not only seeks to spotlight Collins’s plight but also aims to rally support for a broader movement demanding accountability for attacks on journalists.
Join the Movement for Justice
The press conference will take place at 9 a.m. ET on December 11, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol Grounds. Participation is encouraged, with attendees available to RSVP online. This collective effort emphasizes the importance of press freedom globally and the urgent need for reforms to protect journalists in conflict zones.
Organizations Leading the Charge
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is committed to ensuring the safety of reporters and advocates for press freedom worldwide. Similarly, Amnesty International is a vast movement championing human rights, mobilizing millions to act against injustices. Both organizations play crucial roles in holding governments accountable for their actions towards journalists, particularly in conflict settings.
Looking Forward
As the situation evolves, the need for transparency and justice in the realm of press safety becomes increasingly critical. The collaborative efforts of journalists, government officials, and human rights organizations aim to forge a path towards accountability and security for those who bravely report from the frontlines of conflict.