Who is Omar Jimenez?
Omar Jimenez is an American journalist serving as reporter and correspondent for CNN based in Chicago. His name filled the airwaves after he was arrested on live TV on 29 May 2020 while covering protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Jimenez was arrested as part of a three-person news crew and taken into police custody only to be released an hour later.
He had been arrested alongside producer Bill Kirkos and camera operator Leonel Mendez. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz later apologizes to CNN’s president Jeff Zucker for the incident.
He debuted his on-air journalism career as a multimedia journalist for WGEM- TV in Quincy, IL. Ther, he covered the business behind the local methamphetamine trade at the time. He then worked for WBAL-TV in Baltimore, Maryland where he was a reporter and fill-in anchor. In his tenure there, he covered the trials for the officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray.
He also published pieces on opioid influence in Maryland and the fight against child sex trafficking across the state.
How Old is Omar Jimenez?
Omar Jimenez is 26 years old as of 2019. He was born on November 27, 1993 in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Omar Jimenez Parents and Siblings
Jimenez was born to an African-American mother Jayne Morgan and Colombian father Omar Jimenez. His parents divorced while he was in sixth grade and he went ahead to live with his mother. Omar identifies as Afro-Latina.
Though he was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, he grew up outside of Atlanta.
Omar Jimenez Education
He attended high school at Kennesaw Mountain High School. Ther, he also played varsity basketball for three years. Jimenez studied at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, where he majored in broadcast journalism. At Medill school, he played basketball for two years.
Omar Jimenez CNN
Jimenez joined CNN in 2017. He first joined the network’s affiliate service, CNN Newsource, based in Washington, D.C. At that time, he covered breaking news stories for CNN’s more than 900 affiliates having reported nationwide and internationally.
Omar Jimenez Awards
For his work, Jimenez has won various awards;
March 2013
- Academic All-Big Ten Distinction
BIG 10 ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
April 2014
- Regional Mark Of Excellence Award – General TV News Reporting
SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS
May 2014
- 3rd Place – National Television Broadcast News Competition
WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST FOUNDATION
June 2014
- William C. Fyffe Memorial Award
MEDILL SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM
June 2014
- 3rd Place – National Television Broadcast News Championship
WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST FOUNDATION
May 2014
- National Mark of Excellence Award – General TV News Reporting
SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS
November 2014
- Chicago/Midwest Emmy® – College Student Production – Best Newscast
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCE
November 2014
- Chicago/Midwest Emmy® – College Student Production – News: General Assignment Best Story
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCE
Omar Jimenez Height
Jimenez stands at a height of 6 feet 1 inch.
Omar Jimenez Salary
Omar’s annual salary at CNN is not yet disclosed. However, the salaries of CNN’s correspondents range from $93,233-$201,134.
Omar Jimenez Net Worth
Through his journalism work, Jimenez has made a name and also wealth. However, his net worth is not yet disclosed.