Little Rock, Ark. (KAIT) - Arkansas spent its Sunday honoring and remembering a journalist who was shot dead in Ukraine.
According to media reports, Brent Renaud died on Sunday in Irpen. Another journalist was injured along with Renaud and was taken to the hospital.
Little Rock native Renaud was remembered as a co-founder of the Little Rock Film Festival and Arkansas Motion Picture Institute, content partner Kark reported. Kark said Renaud and his brother Craig worked as documentary filmmakers, television producers and journalists, who also covered the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Renaud, who in 2019 served as visiting distinguished professor at Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas, was also remembered by the college on Sunday.
We have some sad news to share with our @uarkfulbright family. Brent Renaud, 2019 Visiting Distinguished Professor in @uarkjournalism, was killed in Ukraine while reporting on the war there. A native of Little Rock, Renaud, 50, was an award-winning filmmaker and journalist. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/YiZKCUILV3
— Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences (@uarkfulbright) March 13, 2022
Arkansas PBS CEO Courtney Pleasure said Renaud's loss would be felt.
“Arkansas PBS deeply mourns the loss of our friend and collaborator, Brent Renaud. Brent was inspired to tell the most intimate of humanitarian stories from our country and around the world, often in partnership with his brother Craig ,” Pleasure said. “The Renaud Brothers dedicated themselves to the development of film culture in their home state of Arkansas, and we are very wealthy as a result. We will never forget Brent, his talent, his intelligence, his bravery, and his unwavering integrity.”
Sarkar Asa Hutchinson said on social media that Arkansas feel Renaud's loss.
My statement on the passing of Little Rock native Brent Renaud. pic.twitter.com/lxJucpM35U
— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) March 13, 2022
Renaud's family was also remembered on social media by Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.
My statement on the passing of Little Rock native Brent Renaud. pic.twitter.com/lxJucpM35U
— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) March 13, 2022
State political leaders also commented on Renaud's death.
Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark) said on social media that Renaud was providing people with important information.
"Brent Renaud was an inspiring, talented storyteller who lost his life in the process of helping to show the world the devastation and human cost of Russia's war on Ukraine. We couldn't be more proud that he was an Arkansan. Praying for all who are mourning his tragic death," said Sen. Boozman.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) concurred, saying that Renaud's death was tragic.
"Arkansas is saddened today by the death of Brent Renaud in Ukraine. I share with them the deepest condolences to the Renaud family. And I repeat to Vladimir Putin and his military leaders that the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians, including journalists, is a war crime. ,” said Sen. Cotton.
Rep. French Hill (R-Little Rock) said he was saddened by Renaud's death.
I am saddened to hear about the death of Little Rock native, Brent Renaud. Brent was a master of his craft, sharing stories across Arkansas and the globe with viewers around the world. My prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew Brent. https://t.co/z0zzhexqNK
— French Hill (@RepFrenchHill) March 13, 2022
Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin said his thoughts and prayers were with Renaud's family at this time, while Attorney General Leslie Routledge said Renaud was playing an important but essential role in recording history.
Journalist, cofounder of @LRFilmFestival & @CityLittleRock native Brent Renaud was tragically killed by Russian attack while telling story of Russia’s atrocities in Ukraine. My prayers are with his family & all those suffering. https://t.co/1i20eMVNbR
— Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin (@LtGovTimGriffin) March 13, 2022
The media plays a critical role in wartime, and their personal sacrifices do not go unnoticed. Praying for the family, friends, & colleagues of Little Rock native & American journalist, Brent Renaud.
— Leslie Rutledge (@AGRutledge) March 13, 2022
Arkansas House Speaker Matthew Shepherd said Renaud will leave a strong legacy for the state, while his work continues to make an impact on the state and the nation.
“Brent Renaud will be remembered not only as a talented filmmaker but as an Arkansas who consistently gave back to our state to create a new generation of artists. His life's work stands as a testament to a free and open society, in stark contrast to the authoritarian forces whose unprovoked invasions he was documenting when his life was taken," Rep. Shepherd (R-El Dorado) "I send my deepest sympathies to his family and to the countless Arkansans who called him a friend."