Documentary filmmaker Josh Fox was arrested by Capitol Police this morning after attempting to turn his lens on a House Science, Space and Technology Committee hearing on the controversial drilling practice known as “fracking.” Capitol Police spokeswoman Sgt. Kimberly Schneider confirmed that the “Gasland” director was forcibly removed from the Rayburn House Office Building hearing room at 10:30 a.m. and charged with unlawful entry. At the time of this post, he remained in the custody of Congressional authorities. California Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren and several committee colleagues were surprised and upset by the attempted media blackout. “Not only was filmmaker Josh Fox led away in handcuffs, but I understand ABC wasn’t allowed to have cameras in the hearing either,” she told Roll Call. “If Republicans want to undermine the use of science at EPA, they can’t hide it from the American people because they have a right to know.” The documentary feature of "Gasland," which focuses on the effect of fracking, was nominated for an Academy Award last year. Update: ABC News is now reporting that none of their staff were ejected from the fracking fracas. "Contrary to some reports today, we did not have a camera crew turned away from a hearing on the hill this morning," an ABC News spokesperson said.
