Anderson Cooper had to evacuate while broadcasting live from Tel Aviv after an urgent missile alert was issued, signaling a potential missile launch from Iran. During the broadcast on June 23, Cooper and his crew were on a hotel balcony when the alarm sounded, giving them a precarious ten-minute window to seek shelter.
International correspondent Clarissa Ward continued to report as the alert blared in the background, explaining that these alerts are standard for those in Israel. Cooper remarked on the regularity of such warnings, indicating that residents have adapted to similar situations over the past week and a half. As they prepared to move to shelter, Cooper humorously noted they “should probably go down” to a safer location.
As the crew relocated, Jerusalem correspondent Jeremy Diamond provided updates about the aftermath of prior airstrikes and confirmed that, notably, there had been no Israeli fatalities due to Iran’s retaliatory actions for about a week. The broadcast intermittently faced technical difficulties before switching to CNN senior White House correspondent Kristen Holmes as they continued to monitor the situation.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of rising tensions since a U.S. bombing campaign aimed at Iranian nuclear facilities, which has contributed to fears of a broader conflict in the region. Israel’s military has intensified airstrikes on targets within Iran, as U.S. troops remain vigilant in the area.
This event underscores the precarious nature of reporting from conflict zones, and Cooper’s experience highlights the dedication journalists have in bringing real-time news, even in dangerous circumstances. The proactive measures taken by Cooper and his team reflect their commitment to safety while informing the public.