Pushing, damaged recording equipment, and shattered glasses—such is the aftermath for journalist Janusz Życzkowski, who merely attempted to ask Rafał Trzaskowski a question. The reporter was treated brutally by the politician’s security detail, while Trzaskowski himself offered no attempt at de-escalation. Instead, he accused Życzkowski of… spitting.
On Thursday, Rafał Trzaskowski visited Wieluń, where, following a meeting with supporters, he was posed an uncomfortable question by editor Janusz Życzkowski from Telewizja Republika. It’s unclear whether the presidential candidate heard it at all—his bodyguards immediately went on the offensive.
“Please don’t push me,” Życzkowski shouts at an aggressive security officer. Moments later, the bodyguard grabs the journalist’s phone and hurls it to the ground.
“What have you done?! I demand a response from the chairman!” Życzkowski yells toward Trzaskowski. Meanwhile, his colleague picks up the phone, which continues recording the entire commotion.
Seconds later, Trzaskowski can be heard. Does he attempt to diffuse the situation? Not at all.
“You’re spitting on me. You’re being aggressive!” he shouts at Życzkowski.
In a subsequent broadcast, the journalist recounted the incident:
“I wanted to ask questions about the debates in Końskie and our upcoming one on Monday at Republika, but I was brutally attacked by Rafał Trzaskowski’s bodyguards.”
“I was struck in the torso and shoved. My equipment ended up on the ground and was destroyed. I also lost my glasses,” Życzkowski reported.