Thread by @NBCNews

BREAKING: White House announces suspension of credentials for CNN reporter Jim Acosta after incident where White House aide tried to physically remove a microphone from his hands.

White House aide grabs and tries to physically remove a microphone from CNN Correspondent Jim Acosta during a contentious exchange with President Trump at a news conference. nbcnews.to/2JLREsq

WH announces suspension of credentials for CNN reporter Jim Acosta after incident where White House aide tried to physically remove a microphone from his hands. nbcnews.to/2JLREsq

In revoking TV journalist's "hard pass," White House characterized the journalist as "placing his hands on a young woman" as she grabbed and tried to pull a mic away.

Here is video of that incident, which shows his hand's movements. nbcnews.to/2JLREsq

NEW: In statement, CNN says White House Press Sec. Sanders is lying with "fraudulent accusations" against Jim Acosta, and the revoking of his pass is "a threat to our democracy." nbcnews.to/2JLREsq

JUST IN: WH Correspondents’ Association "strongly objects" to Trump admin. decision to use security credentials "as a tool to punish a reporter with whom it has a difficult relationship" and "we urge the White House to immediately reverse this weak and misguided action."

Radio Television Digital News Association says it condemns "this obvious punitive action of the administration and call on it to restore Mr. Acosta’s credentials immediately." nbcnews.to/2JLREsq

National Association of Hispanic Journalists: “The President of the United States is undermining American democracy. Our association will commit to holding this administration accountable for any harm they cause to all journalists by these types of incessant attacks.”

Speaking to CNN's Anderson Cooper on Wednesday night, Acosta said, "I never thought in this country that I wouldn’t be able to go cover the president of the United States simply because I was trying to ask a question." nbcnews.to/2JLREsq