New York Post's Subway Death Photo: Was It Ethical Photojournalism?

[imnotasquirrel]

When a news photographer witnesses a tragedy in the making, is his obligation to intervene or to document it?

That question has cropped up anew following the New York Post’s publication, on its front page, of a photo taken moments after a man was pushed onto subway tracks, and moments before he was hit and killed by an oncoming train.

Comments

[art_house_queen]

He was pushed? Can someone fill me in on the whole story? I really don't want to go to the source.

[kseda]

Don't. I did and wish I had backed off that impulse click.

From what I gathered from local media, there was an argument on a platform (caught on film also, according to the local news) and one man pushed another into the path of an oncoming train. I haven't looked into it more so if someone has more details that'd be helpful.

[art_house_queen]

Thank you for the information. Also, wow. D:

[nutmegdealer]

he was arguing with some guy who'd been harrassing other people on the platform and was pushed.

[art_house_queen]

Thanks for the details.

[lady_borg]

One report I read was the guy was deranged.

[imnotasquirrel]

In addition to what the other posters have said, IIRC they have the guy in custody now, thank goodness.

[art_house_queen]

I'm so glad they have the guy in custody!

[bestdaywelived]

Yes, he was pushed by another man, who did not appear to be mentally ill. The man will be charged today. He was a junk vendor.