A reporter for the local independent publication Houston Landing was suspended for posting a photo on his private Instagram account showing him holding an automatic rifle at a gun range, reports the Landing's union, the NewsGuild, on X. he photo was taken last year at an FBI Citizens Academy class, held at the Conroe, Tx., Police Training Academy, where FBI agents train. Reporter Monroe Trombly covers the FBI's Houston field office as part of his beat.
The union said management said the post violated its social media policy. Trombly attended the FBI’s “range day” to learn more about gun safety. When he asked the publication's management what policy he violated, "management struggled to name a specific clause, the union said. It quoted editor-in-chief Manny Garcia as saying the photo is problematic because it could harm his ability to cover or build trust with survivors of mass shootings. The union did not say how long the suspension may last.