51-year-old American journalist shot dead by Russian troops in Ukraine: Soldiers opened fire on a foreign press van that was filming refugees crossing the border
- Brent Renault, 51, filmed refugees crossing the border in Irpin, Ukraine.
- The Russian military opened fire on the van he was in with other foreign journalists.
- Reno had a badge that listed The New York Times as his publication.
- The Times reports that he is a freelancer they did not do on assignment.
- Ukrainian police announced his death and said he “paid with his life in an attempt to show the ruthlessness” of Putin’s army.
Kyiv police said on Sunday that an American freelance director was shot and killed while covering the war in Ukraine.
Brent Renault, 51, was in a truck with other journalists in Irpin when Russian troops opened fire. According to local authorities, he was shot dead and one of his colleagues was wounded.
He was initially thought to be on assignment for The New York Times because he had a press badge that listed the paper as his publication.
Brent Renault, 51, was in a truck with other journalists in Irpin when Russian troops opened fire.
However, The Times released a statement clarifying that although he had worked for them in the past, he was not there on assignment.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Brent Reno. Brent was a talented photographer and filmmaker who worked with The New York Times for many years.
“Although he has collaborated with The Times in the past (most recently in 2015), he has not been on The Times assignment in Ukraine.
“Early reports that he worked for The Times were circulated because he wore a Times badge that was issued for appointment many years ago.”
Reno with his brother, another director. The couple have a background in conflict zones and have been known to film refugees crossing the border as they were killed.
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