Two American police officers have been relegated to administrative duties after footage showed them assault an Australian news crew covering the George Floyd protests in Washington DC.
Tensions reached boiling point in several major cities this week as Americans rioted with rage over the killing of the African American man in Minneapolis.
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While there have been many peaceful and calm protests, others have descended into violence, looting, destruction of property and assaults. Police have also been accused of using heavy-handed tactics to disperse demonstrators.
That was very apparent for the US correspondent Channel 7 team, who became caught up in the conflict.
When police started moving protestors back with force, Amelia Brace and her cameraman Tim Myers were trying to capture everything that unfolded. However, they soon found themselves being attacked by two officers carrying shields and batons.
Australia's Prime Minister has called for an investigation into the incident and it seems like the two officers have been reprimanded.
United States Park Police acting Chief Gregory T. Monahan said in a statement: "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."
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The US Parks Police (USPP) is facing anger over the incident from Australian officials, including Foreign Minister Marise Payne and the US Ambassador to Australia Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr.
While it seems they have tried to rectify the situation with Australia, the USPP wasn't apologising for their tactics for the rest of the protestors.
Acting Chief Monahan said: "The USPP is committed to the peaceful expression of First Amendment rights.
"However, this past weekend's demonstrations at Lafayette Park and across the National Mall included activities that were not part of a peaceful protest, which resulted in injuries to USPP officers in the line of duty, the destruction of public property and the defacing of memorials and monuments.
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"During four days of demonstrations, 51 members of the USPP were injured; of those, 11 were transported to the hospital and released and three were admitted.
"As many of the protestors became more combative, continued to throw projectiles, and attempted to grab officers' weapons, officers then employed the use of smoke canisters and pepper balls. No tear gas was used by USPP officers or other assisting law enforcement partners to close the area at Lafayette Park."
