US protests: Police attack Channel 7 news team as Donald Trump walks from White House

PM orders investigation into assault on Aussie cameraman and reporter who were repeatedly hit as police cleared way for Donald Trump | WATCH

Seven News reporter Amelia Brace after she and her cameraman were attacked by riot police at a protest in Washington DC over the death of George Floyd. Picture: Supplied Picture: Sunrise

Scott Morrison has demanded an ­investigation into an attack on an Australian television journalist and cameraman from the Seven Network by US police while covering the protests in Washington on Tuesday (AEST).

Seven’s news and public affairs boss, Craig McPherson, said the police attack on reporter Amelia Brace and cameraman Tim Myers was “nothing short of wanton thuggery”.

Mr McPherson said the pair “weren’t in anyone’s way, just simply doing their job”. “To be belted with an armoured shield and then our reporter cop a truncheon in the back is abhorrent,” he said. “The Prime Minister has informed us he’s been in touch with our embassy in Washington to have the matter urgently investigated.”

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the Australian embassy in Washington had been asked to investigate this incident, with a view to launching a formal complaint.

“I want to get further advice on how we would go about registering Australia’s strong concerns with the responsible local authorities in Washington,” she said.

Seven, which is part of Seven West Media, controlled by Kerry Stokes, will make its own complaints to the appropriate department responsible for the police officers involved in the attack, Mr McPherson said.

US ambassador to Australia Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr insisted the attack was being taken serious­ly. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting journalists and guaranteeing equal justice under law for all,” he said. “We take the mistreatment of journalists seriously, as do all who take democracy seriously.”

The attack took place as police cleared protesters to make way for US President Donald Trump, who was walking to the historic St John’s Church from the White House for a photo opportunity.

It comes a few days after police in Minneapolis arrested CNN ­reporter Omar Jimenez on live TV while he was covering protests.

Anthony Albanese called on Australian ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinos to protest about the assault.

The Opposition Leader said on Tuesday that the Australian journ­alists should have been able to do their job free of harassment.

“Our ambassador should certainly be making representation on behalf of these Australians who have effectively been assaulted for doing their job,” he said in Queanbeyan, NSW.