Journalist Assaulted by Mississippi State Trooper | Don Matthews Exposes Governor Cover‑Up

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jackson, Mississippi — Investigative journalist and civil‑rights activist Matthew Reardon has publicly accused Governor Tate Reeves of authorizing a July 3, 2025 assault by a Mississippi State Trooper outside the Governor’s Mansion. The accusation is backed by livestream video, eyewitness accounts, and prior investigations.

“This Was a Deliberate Attack on the First Amendment”

“This was not a rogue act,” Reardon stated. “It was a deliberate assault under color of state law—with the Governor’s full knowledge and tacit approval.”

Livestreamed Protest Leads to Violence

While livestreaming a peaceful protest on a public sidewalk near the Governor’s Mansion, Reardon was assaulted by a uniformed Mississippi State Trooper. At the time, he was exposing Governor Reeves’ role in approving fraudulent extradition documents and alleged perjury in cross‑state prosecution schemes.

Governor Reeves Refuses to Acknowledge Incident

Governor Reeves has declined to identify the trooper, address the officer’s supervisor (reportedly named “White”), or condemn the assault. His silence has fueled legal scrutiny and public outrage.

Constitutional & Criminal Violations Cited

Matthews claims the assault violated multiple state and federal statutes:

• 42 U.S.C. § 1983 – Civil‑rights violations under color of law
• 18 U.S.C. § 241 – Conspiracy to violate civil rights
• 18 U.S.C. § 242 – Deprivation of rights under color of law

Matthews Preparing Criminal Affidavit

He is drafting a federal affidavit invoking the Supremacy Clause and Fifth Amendment protections to demand prosecutorial action through a grand jury process.

Documented Pattern of Retaliation

This incident is part of a broader pattern, including:

• Fraudulent extraditions endorsed by Governor Reeves;
• Cross-jurisdictional retaliatory prosecutions;
• Mississippi Department of Corrections suppressing constitutional grievances;
• Systematic failure by federal entities to investigate valid sworn affidavits.

Demands for Immediate Action

Reardon and his legal team are demanding:

• Identification and suspension of the trooper;
• Disclosure of the supervisor and internal command structure;
• Formal condemnation by Governor Reeves;
• Presentation of the affidavit to a federal grand jury;
• DOJ-led investigation into systemic civil-rights violations in Mississippi.

“Tyrants don’t always declare themselves. Sometimes they declare nothing.” — Matthew Reardon

Video Evidence

YouTube Footage

Facebook Livestream

Watch on Facebook – Full Livestream Footage

Related Links

• WTP News Coverage of Assault
• Governor Reeves’ Silence Under Fire
• Sign the Justice Petition (Change.org)

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wtpnews.org