Overview
- Vinny Martorano was covering demonstrations at the Texas Capitol when a crew member showed him a message on CBS Austin’s Facebook Live telling the team not to focus on the celebration.
- He responded on camera, "Well, I am," then delivered a live report noting divided views in Austin over coordinated U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran.
- The crowd behind him chanted "Thank you Trump" and "Thank you Bibi" as participants waved American and pre‑1979 Lion‑and‑Sun Iranian flags and displayed images associated with the Iranian diaspora.
- A short clip of the exchange went viral on X, drawing millions of views and praise from conservative figures, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and commentator Joe Concha.
- Coverage noted that CBS Austin (KEYE‑TV) is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, and as of the latest reports neither the station nor Martorano had publicly addressed the directive.