This seems to be a clear cut case to act against Rep. Pencil Neck Schitt (D-Sewer) in a lawsuit for depriving a journalist of freedom of speech, a constitutional right.
And, is this also not a deprivation of civil rights?
Isn’t this defamation of character as well? Hey! I’m not a lawyer but it looks as if his character and reputation were damaged.
Yes, and it is ripe for a 42USC 1983 claim...deprivation of civil rights under color of authority. Govt. Violations of any individual constitutional right is a violation of that individual’s civil rights.