The journalist who was shot in the foot while reporting

Wars & Conflicts · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Reporting on civil unrest often requires physical risk. Robert Evans didn't just observe the 2020 George Floyd protests from a distance; he became a plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit after being targeted by police and protesters alike, documenting the friction between state power and public dissent.

Robert Evans is an American journalist and internet broadcaster known for investigating global conflicts, online extremism, and domestic unrest. His work often bridges the gap between traditional reporting and digital investigation. He has reported on significant geopolitical flashpoints including Iraq, Ukraine, and Rojava, while also analyzing the mechanics of radicalization on platforms like 8chan.

Evans gained prominence for his analysis of extremist manifestos following the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings and the 2019 Poway synagogue shooting. He argued that these documents were often 'red herrings'—complex in-jokes designed to further radicalize specific online communities rather than serve as straightforward political statements. His reporting style focuses on identifying how white supremacy and fascism permeate modern consciousness.

His firsthand experience during the 2020 George Floyd protests in Portland, Oregon, serves as a primary case study of high-risk journalism. While filming both protesters and police, Evans was allegedly threatened with arrest by police, shot in the foot with a tear gas grenade, and shoved repeatedly. He later joined a non-monetary class-action lawsuit against the City of Portland seeking injunctive relief for these actions.

Beyond direct reporting, Evans is a prolific content creator who hosts several major podcasts. His flagship series, 'Behind the Bastards,' explores biographies of historical figures he describes as 'the worst humans in history.' He also produces investigative content on the 'boogaloo' movement and the history of American policing, aiming to provide context for contemporary civil unrest.

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