Journalist Linda Tirado Enters Hospice Care After Sustaining Injuries During 2020 Protests
Freelance photojournalist Linda Tirado, 42, is now in hospice care in Tennessee, according to an announcement from the National Press Club. Tirado was critically injured in 2020 while covering protests in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd.
Tragic Turn of Events
Tirado, who was 38 at the time of the incident, traveled from Nashville, Tennessee, to Minneapolis to document the protests that erupted after George Floyd’s death. Floyd’s death occurred when a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for more than nine minutes, sparking widespread demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality.
On the night of May 29, 2020, while covering the protests, Tirado was struck in the eye by a “nonlethal” foam plastic bullet fired by police officers. Despite wearing protective goggles and displaying press credentials, she was severely injured. Tirado recounted the harrowing experience in an op-ed for NBC News, describing how her goggles were knocked off and her face was left burning and bleeding.
Permanent and Life-Altering Injuries
The injury resulted in Tirado permanently losing vision in her left eye, which led to complications such as dizziness and a lack of depth perception. The National Press Club revealed that she also suffered a traumatic brain injury, which caused her to develop dementia.
Support and Legacy
In light of her condition, the National Press Club has extended support to Tirado and her family. The organization is providing funding to help cover the costs of her care and is working on ways to honor her legacy. President Emily Wilkins has been in contact with Tirado to discuss these efforts.
Tirado has been unable to work since her injury but has continued to write about her experiences. She has been vocal about the political climate and the actions of the police during the protests. In 2020, she was awarded the National Press Club’s John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award.
Legal Battle and Financial Struggles
In June 2020, Tirado sued the Minneapolis police and received a $600,000 settlement in 2022 as part of a broader agreement between the city and individuals assaulted by police during the protests. Most of the settlement funds went toward her medical expenses, which she estimated would total around $2.5 million over her lifetime.
The National Press Club has encouraged its members to contribute to Tirado’s care via Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle, noting that her husband is trying to cover the bills while also supporting their two children.
A Resilient Spirit
Despite her deteriorating condition, Tirado has expressed a mix of emotions in her writings. In a recent Substack post, she spoke about preparing for the end of her life but also expressed feelings of joy, peace, pain, and fear. She urged her followers to channel their support into activism by attending local council meetings and advocating for change.
Tirado’s resilience and dedication to journalism have left an indelible mark on the field, even as she faces the end of her journey. Her story is a poignant reminder of the risks journalists take to document truth and the enduring impact of their work.
Sources:
National Press Club
NBC News Op-Ed by Linda Tirado
Substack Posts by Linda Tirado
Settlement Details from Minneapolis Police Department