In recent years, the United States has witnessed escalating incidents of political violence—from mass protests and armed demonstrations to targeted attacks on communities, institutions and political leadership. Photographers documenting these moments are not only recording history as it unfolds but are also shaping the public’s understanding of political unrest, polarization, and democracy itself.
This panel brings together leading photojournalists to explore how images of political violence are made, circulated, and interpreted. Discussion will address the ethical challenges of photographing violent events, the risks faced by those behind the camera, and the impact these images have on public opinion, accountability, and collective memory.
Panel discussion with:
Jabin Botsford: Washington, DC-based photojournalist
David Dee Delgado: Covering ICE/federal courts in NYC
Madison Swart: Freelance photojournalist struck by crowd-control munitions during the 2025 “No Kings” protests in LA
Moderated by:
Lauren Walsh: Professor, NYU