US protests: Sunrise reporter talks of attack near White House

The Channel 7 journalist and her cameraman were attacked on air by Washington police, and were hit by rubber bullets.

Seven News reporter Amelia Brace after her cameraman were pushed over by riot police during a protest in Washington. Picture: Sunrise

The Channel 7 reporter attacked by police while on-air has spoken about the “absolutely terrifying experience” which left her bruised and unable to sleep.

Speaking on Sunrise, Amelia Brace said she was “disappointed” by the actions of US police, who violently cleared the area surrounding the White House to enable President Donald Trump to have a photo opportunity outside a local church.

“It was an absolutely terrifying experience,” Brace said. “I can feel it across my shoulders where I was whacked with that baton and we’ve got welts from the rubber bullets … It’s similar to if you were shot too closely with a paintball gun.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has demanded an investigation after #7NEWS US Correspondent @AmeliaBrace and her cameraman were assaulted by police live on air.

More on this story:https://t.co/nUmn2Uufua pic.twitter.com/G2qCfoqH4i

— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) June 2, 2020

While covering the protests, Brace and cameraman Tim Myers were attacked with batons and police riot shields, attracting international outrage at the blatant police disregard for the media. However, Brace said the story was greater than simply about them.

“It’s not just about the media and the fact we were attacked while doing our job, but it was the fact that it was before curfew, so every single person at that protest had a legal right to be there,” she said,

“To see people tear gassed to make way for a photo opportunity for the President is outrageous.”

In a statement, Arthur Sinodinos, Australia’s ambassador to the US, said he was “aware of the treatment” and was in discussion with the US State Department.

“I understand that Channel 7 will make a formal police complaint asking to have the matter investigated,” Mr Sinodinos said in a statement. “We are in discussion with the State Department, and they have offered assistance to identify where the complaint should be targeted.”

Both Australian citizens were receiving consulate support, Mr Sinodinos said.

Seven’s news and public affairs boss, Craig McPherson, said the police attack on Brace and Myers was “nothing short of wanton thuggery”, while Prime Minister Scott Morrison has demanded an ­investigation into the incident.

On Tuesday, 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.

The US ambassador to Australia, Arthur B Culvahouse Jr, says his country remains committed to “protecting journalists” in a statement released via the embassy’s Twitter account late on Tuesday.