US police attacked an Australian journalist and her cameraman while they were reporting on protests outside the White House.
Network Seven cameraman Tim Myers was hit with a riot shield and punched in the face, while reporter Amelia Brace was clubbed with a truncheon.
Both were shot with rubber bullets and struggled to breathe after tear gas was thrown at the crowd.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the attack as troubling and has asked for an investigation.
Morrison has spoken to Seven to check on the crew’s welfare and offer his government’s support, should they wish to pursue a formal complaint against police through the Australian embassy.
He also ordered the embassy to investigate the incident and register Australia’s “strong concerns” with local authorities.
Leader Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, saying they were simply doing their jobs, saying Australia’s ambassador to the United States should make representations on their behalf.
“In a democratic society the role of the media is critical, and it’s important the media are able to report on events, including crises such as we’re seeing in the United States, free from harassment,” he told reporters, according to ABC News.
“The violence that has occurred towards members of the media is completely unacceptable.”
Watch:
Here’s another angle of the incident:
This video offers another angle of the incident. https://t.co/4PX5NKRsI1
— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) June 1, 2020
The incident, which came amid a string of police attacks on media during the protests triggered by the killing of George Floyd.
