Anderson Cooper, the renowned host of Anderson Cooper 360, was the latest target of Hurricane Milton. On October 10, during a live broadcast from Bradenton, Florida, Cooper was hit in the face with flying debris. The host, who usually films from New York, was reporting onsite about the perilous conditions when what looked like a square-shaped object hit him smack in the face.
The incident occurred just thirty minutes after Hurricane Milton landed on the west-central coast. In the video, Anderson can be heard saying,
"Woah! OK, that wasn’t good. We’ll probably go inside shortly. But you can see the amount of water here on the ground. This is water from the Manatee River. It’s also water coming from the land as well.”
In another video, the anchor can be seen struggling to maintain his stance while his cap has already flown away. However, CNN anchor Kaitlin Collins told the world her colleague is doing "Okay."
"I do want to note for everyone watching who is very concerned obviously about all of our correspondents and anchors on the ground, Anderson is okay. “Just obviously understandably difficult to establish a connection when you’re seeing what’s happening with the wind and the rain. And obviously the deteriorating conditions by the minute.”
Regardless, the internet was brutal, poking fun at the situation in hopes of alleviating the tensions. One user asked,
"Is this CNN or an SNL skit?"
"Why they threatening loss of life and these MFs out there standing in it ? [laughing emojis]," one user pointed out.
"Anderson Cooper LIVES for this stuff!" another user declared.
"Why is CNN trying to kill their staff? #HurricaneMilton @AC360 #andersoncooper," another user questioned.
"I have so much respect that Anderson Cooper is famous enough he has all the power to say no to being out there but probably volunteered himself to do this. He's a true adrenaline junkie," one user commended.
Several others lauded the anchor for his commitment to heading to the middle of the storm.
"I hope he is ok; I always like the way of his report. I remember when he starts it out always overseas doing reports. Soaking wet. He should wear a helmet nettime," one user stated.
"Good lord, somebody bring Anderson Cooper inside," yet another tweeted.
"Lawdamercy he needs some Weather Channel gear. They have helmets!" another suggested.
Notably, others began speculating that the whole debacle may have been a ploy for attention and that the cameraman could have thrown it at him.
Hurricane Milton claims lives, leaves millions without power
As per multiple outlets, Hurricane Milton was labeled a Category 3 when it hit Florida on Wednesday. However, CNN reported that by the early hours of Thursday, it had simmered down to a Category 1 as it moved inward. In a post on Facebook, the National Hurricane Center wrote on Wednesday,
“Extremely dangerous category 3 Hurricane Milton makes landfall near Siesta Key Florida. Life-threatening storm surge, extreme winds, and flash flooding occurring over the central Florida Peninsula."
CNN also reported that over 3 million people have been left without power, and reports of several deaths have been pouring in as Hurricane Milton left its mark on the state.