New York Daily News reporter detained at state capitol

A New York Daily News reporter was reportedly handcuffed and taken away from the state Senate Lobby by New York State Police.

According to a report by The Associated Press, the reporter, Ken Lovett, was arrested for talking on his cell phone outside the Senate chamber and was released shortly thereafter by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D). 

I don’t have any context, but it’s weird to see a reporter being taken out in handcuffs. @klnynews pic.twitter.com/9cvo2tVpS0

— Sean Ewart (@Sean_S_Ewart) March 28, 2018

Cuomo has arrived to #freekenlovett pic.twitter.com/rUNjmbwMdw

— Dan Clark (@DanClarkReports) March 28, 2018

A witness says he saw @NYDailyNews Bureau Chief Ken Lovett (@klnynews) taken away by NYS Police. Foto by @nmoster pic.twitter.com/7RWRK3UtDJ

— Jimmy Vielkind (@JimmyVielkind) March 28, 2018

Republican Senate spokesman Scott Reif said that the incident occurred after Lovett refused to comply with the cell phone rule when asked, according to reports.

Senate GOP spokesman Scott Reif issued a statement on Lovett’s arrest. He says he regrets what happened. pic.twitter.com/UyA6zOaCDI

— Jimmy Vielkind (@JimmyVielkind) March 28, 2018

“The incident escalated quickly and unfortunately he was detained by the State Police,” Reif said. “We have formally requested that he be released and very much regret the incident.” {mosads}

Lovett was able to tweet twice after he was taken into custody and after he was freed he said that the police were “very professional.”

Free!!!! For the record, state police were very professional.

— ken lovett (@klnynews) March 28, 2018

According to the Times Union, senators, reporters and lobbyists often use their phones in the Senate lobby.