Rising Risks for Investigative Journalists

Independent journalist Nick Shirley has suggested that conducting investigations in major cities now requires professional security due to escalating threats and the sharing of personal information.

Shirley initially gained recognition for uncovering fraud in Minnesota, but he soon shifted his focus to California, noting that the risks involved were significantly higher there.

“I can go into the streets, take photos, and an activist—perhaps a left-leaning one—will snap a picture of me and share it in a group chat on Reddit,” Shirley recounted during an appearance on “Saturday in America.”

He claimed that activists are working to thwart his investigations by sharing his videos and location. According to Shirley, while in Baltimore and California, critics posted his whereabouts with messages implying, “Eliminate Nick Shirley” or “If you see Nick Shirley, you’re on site.”

“This has happened in various cities,” he informed Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany.

Recently, in his latest video, Shirley and his crew visited locations in California that they believe are involved in daycare and hospice fraud. His efforts have met with backlash from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s media office, which released a fake image of Shirley appearing to seek out children while holding a camera.

“Look, I’m just trying to help eliminate fraud and waste in the U.S. There’s no reason to vilify me for shedding light on these issues,” Shirley mentioned in a post.

In a March 16 message, he emphasized: “Enough is enough. Let’s focus on serving the people rather than going against them.”

In January, Shirley testified before the House Judiciary Committee regarding fraud charges in Minnesota. He stated that faith played a significant role in keeping him focused during his investigations, saying, “It more than anything kept me on the straight and narrow and guided me toward accomplishing my goals.”