Thread by @bellingcat

Earlier this month, we worked with @LHreports, @SkyNews and @Guardian to show that US police had used UK-made anti-riot gear to harm journalists and forcefully subdue protesters at #BLM protests.

This is how we did it. bellingcat.com/uncategorized/…

@LHreports @SkyNews @guardian Over the summer, the UK government stated that it reviewed potential uses of British-made anti-riot equipment at BLM protests in the US.

@LHreports @SkyNews @guardian This review found “no evidence” that UK exported equipment was used. However, it left open the “possibility” UK products could have been in the hands of US police given the wide number of end users for such products in the country

@LHreports @SkyNews @guardian Our research not only found UK riot equipment being used, but being employed to harm journalists and confront peaceful demonstrators

@LHreports @SkyNews @guardian In early June, a US Parks Police officer was filmed striking an Australian journalist with a shield in Washington DC

We were able to identify the shield as being a product made by UK based company Scorpion PPE.

@LHreports @SkyNews @guardian The shields are identifiable through their distinctive design, bolt fittings, backing, labels and shape.

@LHreports @SkyNews @guardian Another police officer was filmed striking a BBC cameraman in Washington DC using the same type of Scorpion PPE shield.

@LHreports @SkyNews @guardian The way in which the shields being used would appear to raise questions about whether the export of such products should continue to be approved by UK authorities, a question that has been raised by MPs in the country

@LHreports @SkyNews @guardian Read the full article here bellingcat.com/uncategorized/…