Anderson Cooper Hit by Debris as Hurricane Milton Claims First Victims

CNN Anchor Anderson Cooper Struck by Flying Debris During Hurricane Report

CNN’s Anderson Cooper faced a sudden and unexpected challenge while covering Hurricane Milton live from Florida. The storm, classified as a Category 3 with winds reaching up to 120 mph, unleashed a torrent of debris across the state, including tree branches and parts of homes.

While reporting from Siesta Key near Sarasota County, Cooper was struck in the face by an unidentified object on air, leaving viewers stunned. Maintaining his composure, he wryly commented, “Well, that wasn’t good,” before announcing his intention to head indoors for safety.

The incident sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many questioning the rationale behind placing reporters in the midst of such perilous conditions. One viewer expressed discontent, stating, “Can we stop this reckless on-scene hurricane reporting? It endangers not just the reporters but also first responders.” Another user spotlighted the irony of Cooper’s situation, noting that despite the dangers, he managed to keep his hat intact.

As the storm wreaked havoc across the region, early reports indicated at least 12 fatalities linked to Hurricane Milton, including six lives lost in St. Lucie County, where tornadoes made landfall. With more than 11 million individuals at risk of flooding, the extent of the damage prompted President Joe Biden to mobilize thousands of federal resources, including over 1,000 Coast Guard members.

Despite the chaos, officials including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed optimism about the state’s resilience in the wake of the disaster. DeSantis addressed the media, highlighting the challenges posed by two hurricanes within a short period but remained hopeful, stating, “I’ve seen a lot of resilience throughout this state.”

As for Cooper, he was reported safe after his harrowing experience, though concerns for reporter safety amidst extreme weather events continue to grow.