Award winning American filmmaker and photojournalist Brent Renaud, 50, was killed today after taking fire from Russian forces in Irpin, which sits just northwest of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. Another American journalist, Juan Arredondo, who was accompanying Brent was also shot, but survived, telling Internazionale journalist Annalisa Camilli that Brent and himself were filming refugees when they crossed a checkpoint and were shot at once they passed through. Kyiv Police Chief Andriy Nebytov confirmed the death of Brent, saying he was shot in the head. Brent was wearing NYT press credentials when he was killed, but was not working on behalf of the media outlet at the time, a spokesperson told the Associated Press. His death marks the first foreign journalist to be killed in this conflict, however, there have been a number of other journalists who have been wounded from fighting so far.
?? Two American journalist shot by Russian at Irpin bridge. One is under surgery at the main hospital in Kyiv and the other was shot at the neck. pic.twitter.com/9lihX1JJ58
— annalisa camilli (@annalisacamilli) March 13, 2022
Brent was best known for his work with HBO and the New York Times, covering an array of conflicts and topics from Iraq and Afghanistan to cartel violence in Mexico and the Central America migrant crisis. In 2015, Brent and his brother won the renowned Peabody Award for their documentary covering at-risk youth in Chicago’s school system.
Rest in peace #BrentRenaud. pic.twitter.com/lHZopj5lwa
— Enrico Letta (@EnricoLetta) March 13, 2022
