Telemundo 62 Reporter Punched During Live Shot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-J0POelsvw

Philadelphia Police have arrested a woman in connection with the live on-air attack of Telemundo 62 reporter Iris Delgado on Wednesday night outside City Hall.

Delgado was reporting on the city soda tax just after 11 p.m. that night. In the middle of the news broadcast, a woman approached her and said “excuse me?” several times. She then struck Delgado in the face as the camera cut to anchor Ramon Zayas. “Ay, Dios mio!” he yelled. “Esperemos que esté bien.” (Oh, my god. We hope she’s okay.)

After the live shot, police say Delgado’s news crew followed the woman. Ninth District cops said they arrested her around 16th and JFK Boulevard. Police charged Waheedah Wilson, 37, with assault and recklessly endangering another person. Wilson allegedly struck Delgado three times and shoved her to the ground.

Wilson, who police records say resides on the 300 block of S. Broad Street, has a status hearing on July 11th. NBC 10, which operates in a duopoly with Telemundo, did not return requests for comment from Philadelphia magazine. A source told Philly Voice that responding police said they were familiar with Wilson.

The video was posted online by Scott Jones of FTVLive.com last night. The site reported NBC 10 had a story about it yesterday morning, then deleted it.

NBC 10 released a statement Friday evening: “Iris Delgado was the victim of an unprovoked attack by an individual while reporting live for Telemundo62’s 11 PM local newscast. Thankfully, she is ok and is understandably taking some time off to recover. We look forward to her return.”

The company also released internal emails written by Ric Harris, president and general manager of NBC10 and Telemundo62 and Anzio Williams, vice president of news for the two stations.

From: Harris, Ric (NBCUniversal)
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2016 4:59 PM
To: Williams, Anzio (NBCUniversal); @NBC UNI WWSI Everyone; @NBC Uni WCAU Everyone
Subject: RE: News Team Assault

Team, I cannot emphasize Anzio’s point more emphatically…our employees’ safety comes first. Fortunately, the all of the employees involved in last night’s attack are safe.

I spoke with Iris Delgado, who was the target of the attack, and I am happy to report that she is in good spirits and that her physical injuries are minimal. She thanks you all for your support and well wishes.

I’d also like to send a special thanks to Manny, Jorge, Keith, Damaris, Cesar, Mynellies, Kathy, Anzio, and everyone else involved in assisting Iris through this awful situation.

As Anzio mentioned below, we will be available to discuss and answer any questions at 10a and 2p on Monday. There is also EAP assistance available for anyone who would like to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Nancy Quinones can provide further details.

Best regards,
Ric

From: Williams, Anzio (NBCUniversal)
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2016 4:15 PM
To: @NBC UNI WWSI Everyone; @NBC Uni WCAU Everyone
Subject: News Team Assault

Members of our Telemundo62 team were assaulted outside of Philadelphia City Hall last night. The assault happened while covering a news story. Our team members are okay and the suspect was arrested.

This appears to be a situation where our teams did everything the correct way and something bad happened. While we are thankful our safety and awareness training were beneficial in this situation, it is also a reminder that Safety is First.

We are working with Corporate Security to finalize situational awareness training for the news team in anticipation of the DNC.

Ric and I will be available to answer questions and hear concerns. You are welcome to stop by the Peacock Conference Room on Monday June 13; 10-10:30 and again at 2:00pm.

Anzio Williams
Vice President of News