Anderson Cooper Decides to Leave Egypt

By Christine Fenno Posted Feb 6th 2011 01:09PM

Escalating violence in Egypt targeting journalists and camera crews, all trying to report on the massive demonstrations that broke out Jan. 25, have prompted many news teams to evacuate for safety. NBC's Brian Williams and CBS' Katie Couric left the country on Thursday.

Anderson Cooper, despite being attacked Feb. 2, insisted days later that "we will find a way" to stay and cover the protests against President Hosni Mubarek. However, he recently told followers on Twitter that he's packed up.

"It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to leave Egypt," he wrote Saturday. "CNN continues to have many teams in place. It was a hard decision to leave."

The CNN anchor didn't indicate whether he has traveled directly home to the U.S., and has not yet spoken publicly about what prompted the change of heart.

Cooper has a history of sticking with dramatic stories, both domestic and international, while reporting from the field under frequently changing circumstances. But his viewers know he was attacked in Cairo last week (CNN stated no serious injuries were sustained) and security in cities where riotors are most aggressive is apparently not improving. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports more than 110 direct attacks on journalists in recent days.

The day Cooper was caught in the violence, a CNN staffer working on the story told his Twitter followers the anchor was "punched 10 times in the head."

Cooper later described the incident on the air: "There was no rhyme or reason...it was just people looking for a fight, looking to make a point and punching us....They at first started going for the cameras; they didn't want any pictures taken...The crowd kept growing, kept throwing punches, kicks....suddenly, a young man would look at you and punch you in the face."

Millions have taken to the streets demanding the immediate removal of President Mubarak and his regime, amid corruption allegations. In response, pro-Mubarek counter protests have created particularly violent conditions, with the two sides attacking one another with bottles, stones and sticks.

Tags: anderson cooper, cnn, egypt protests

Comments

(59)

Sunday 06 February

By bbinews

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Cant believe the liberals have not blamed Sara palin yet for Coopers beatdown. You a_ _ h_ _ _ _ s are slowing down. Maybe its Bush's fault.

By liz

I'm glad Anderson is leaving Egypt. I think he is an ace reporter and I wouldn't want to see him hurt or worse. I think it's the smart thing to do.

Monday 07 February

By nicole

I am with you. No one is safe over there and I personally like A.C,

By Jay

Wimp! Walter Cronkite covered Vietnam in the middle of fire storms. Run back to your Mama Anderson. Some "Journalist" he is. Geezzzz!

By Ron

Easier to talk bad about people from afar huh Anderson ? Just goe to show you whos for real and whos just a poser.

By alice robinson

I just wonder if during our Revolutionary War if jounalists with all the latest technology, etc were there reporting....what would have happened?.....what would have happened during the Civil war if they were there too?.....granted the latest in technology is great for recording history...but, sometimes maybe the "other side" might have a point too...

By Marty

Personally, I think that USA reporters/media need to bud out of Egypt's business. It's their country and the USA should keep their nose out of it. Not everyone is as publicity hungry as America is. Politicans need to keep their mouths shut.

By Yaz

I honestly like Anderson Cooper, but he kind of deserved this! People are fighting. You aren't helping by sticking a camera in their faces. You also aren't helping by trying to interview people. This should be a lesson learned, honestly! And this should go for all news media and anchor personnel who feel that they have the right to stick a camera or try to get a story where they have no business being and where people are obviously not in the right mindframe to give an interview. It's about time something like this has happened. It should happen more often for people to get the point..........sometimes its best to mind your business. Sadly, once again we see how the media chose to be so hungry for a story that they have resorted to putting themselves and their crew in danger. Yeah, thats your job - but at what point do you draw the line? Oh yeah, you do that when someone gets hurt or attacked.......which is usually typical of US behavior!

By mimi

So Cooper is heading home..big deal. While he was hiding in his hotel room, Christiane Amanpour was interviewing Mubarak..you go girl!!

By imansmimi

So Cooper is leaving, big deal. While he was hiding in his hotel room, Christiane Amanpour was interviewing Mubarak. You go girl!! We know who the "real" journalist is now.

By Doug Stinson

I think all of us need to put things in perspective. I don't think any journalist as part of their contract is asked to be placed in life threatening situations. Harms way? Perhaps, but not this. I say this from some personal experience. I used to work in a building where the Wall Street Journal had its Washington office. I saw Daniel Pearl enough to say hi to him. He was sent to Iraq, and if you recall was rather brutally beheaded. The situation in Egypt could turn on a dime. I don't blame A.C. He has been in dangerous situations before- he has paid his dues.

By william

puzzy...

By Ohno She Dint

Yeah Anderson, get your cute rich azz back to the states and take your man out for a date. Glad he finally left, he always wants to be the hero.

RIGHT ON!!! 100%!!!

By shlockomania

These are corporate risk-to-loss/replacement decisions.

By marinemomohl

You are right on target Sonja. If you know HIStory. Prophecy is being fulfilled before our eyes.

Saturday 12 February

By w brown

I think people everywhere just have a natural desire to beat up Anderson Cooper. It's a global phenomenon.