Yep, the reporter and cameraman must have done something to provoke them. Like being white.
Alongside 1984, people should read Huxley’s Brave New World. And note the parallels between the created delta/Epsilons and their Alpha Lib creators.
Same story, different characters.
Black thug: “ Didn’t yo ministah teach you to turn the other cheek?”
CBS reporter: “ Huh?
Black thug: “ BAM”