What Happened to Brent Renaud? American journalist shot and killed in Ukraine
4 min read
According to social media posts posted by police in Kyiv, Brent Renaud, an award-winning journalist from the United States, was killed by Russian forces in Irpin. Juan Arredondo, another American journalist, was wounded as well.
The late man’s identity was confirmed by police in a tweet. He was identified as Renaud, 50. He was photographed along with his American passport and an outdated New York Times press badge with his name on it, both posted by police as proof.
Police chief Andriy Nebitov of Kyiv said on Facebook that Russian forces shot Renaud and that “the occupiers kill even international journalists, who are trying to expose the atrocities of the Russian military in Ukraine.”
Reuters confirmed Nebitov’s claim that Irpin resident Renaud, 51, was shot by Russian soldiers near the Romanivsky Bridge. According to reports, two other journalists were injured and taken to a nearby hospital after Renaud was killed.
Who was late award-winning journalist Brent Renaud?
Known as a filmmaker and a video journalist, Brent Renaud took home Peabody and DuPont Awards. His use of video coverage and documentaries was largely credited to him, as well as his brother Craig. It seems that Brent lived mostly in New York City, although they were based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Renaud previously worked for The New York Times according to his outdated press credentials. The Times subsequently clarified that t he filmmaker had not contributed to The Times since 2015, although initial reports claimed he was there on assignment from the publication. According to their statement, the press-pass was several years old.
As documentary filmmakers and TV producers, the brothers had reportedly worked together for over two decades. Together with his brother, Brent Renaud shared the responsibility of producing their video-based media coverage and documentaries.
Brent Renaud and Craig Renaud have won numerous awards for their work over the years. HBO, Forbes, Rolling Stones, and others have all taken up projects from the brothers’ repertoire.
Outpouring of condolences after Brent Renaud passed away in Ukraine
The violence on Sunday has been condemned as a violation of international law by press freedom groups.
The Committee to Protect Journalists said in a statement: “Russian forces in Ukraine must end all violence against journalists and civilians immediately, and those responsible for Renaud’s death should be brought to justice.”
According to CNN, Renaud, an acclaimed filmmaker, has been working in Ukraine on a Time Studios project about refugees. In the publication, it was written, “Our hearts are with his loved ones.”
“It is imperative that journalists be able to cover the ongoing invasion and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine in a safe manner.”
The late journalist was memorialized in numerous tweets. These messages also highlighted his legacy and his work.
A user expressed sorrow at hearing this. “Sincere condolences to their loved ones”.
So very sorry to hear this . Sincere condolences to their loved ones .
— Sheron Wilkie 💙 #FBPE #StopTheCoup (@SheronWilkie) March 13, 2022
According to another user, Brent’s death is a great loss. Journalists like Brent take tremendous risks to bear witness to the suffering caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to tell the world about it.
One user said today, “America lost a wonderful and brave soul”.
Rip Brent Renaud ~ He was one of the good guys. "Last Chance High" about Chicago's Montefiore Academy for emotionally disturbed children, was simply amazing!
We lost a brave and wonderful soul today America. 💔 🙏💕 So sad. #Ukrainepic.twitter.com/S8BzMqNDeW— Brân Marie (@brann_marie) March 13, 2022Advertisement
Additionally, a number of tweets praised and praised journalists who provided on-the-ground coverage in Ukraine. Journalists’ safety during conflict reporting was also raised by Renaud’s death.
According to NYT, American photographer and filmmaker Brent Renaud who was killed by Russians near Irpin today was not on an assignment in Ukraine. He just wore his old press badge. That, of course, doesn’t minimize the tragedy – Russians spare no one in this war.
— Anastasiia Lapatina (@lapatina_) March 13, 2022
This is considered a war crime
— michelleisgoth (@michelleisgoth1) March 13, 2022
Dear @nytimes team, I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Brent Renaud who was shot in the #Kyiv suburb of #Irpin today.
— Anna Kovaleva (@N2wdfKzHhu5ZG2f) March 13, 2022
All reporters who took the courage to share truth with the world are true heroes.
Eternal memory and gratitude to Brent, the defendant of truth 🙏🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/zljF89xQvC
Brent's death is a terrible loss. Brave journalists like Brent take tremendous risks to bear witness and to tell the world about the devastation and suffering caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
— Cliff Levy (@cliffordlevy) March 13, 2022
Ankita Khanrah
Ankita Khanrah is a second-year student of the Master of Communication and Journalism (Integrated) programme at the School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed University, Bhubaneswar.
