Park Police investigating officers who allegedly attacked Australian reporters

U.S. Park Police said Wednesday they are investigating two officers who allegedly attacked Australian reporters during Monday night’s protest near the White House. 

“As is consistent with our established practices and procedures, two U.S. Park Police officers have been assigned to administrative duties, while an investigation takes place regarding the incident with the Australian Press,” the park police tweeted Wednesday. 

(2 of 2) “As is consistent with our established practices and procedures, two U.S. Park Police officers have been assigned to administrative duties, while an investigation takes place regarding the incident with the Australian Press.”

— USPPNEWS (@usparkpolicepio) June 3, 2020

Video shows Network Seven cameraman Tim Myers was hit with a riot shield and punched in the face by a police officer during the protest. Another officer was also seen swinging a truncheon at the network’s reporter Amelia Brace, according to footage of the incident reported by ABC7-WJLA. 

A @7NewsAustralia camera operator gets hit with a riot shield and flees with reporter @AmeliaBrace. pic.twitter.com/LdxArSHX2n

— Matt Bevan (@MatthewBevan) June 2, 2020

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday called for an investigation into the incident, which took place as law enforcement forcibly removed protesters from Lafayette Square near the White House before President Trump walked through the area to the historic St. John’s Church where he took a photo with his staff. 

Protests have broken out in D.C. and across the country sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody last week.