The White House has defended the police treatment of a Seven Network crew despite two officers being placed on administrative leave, while a man has been arrested after allegedly grabbing an Australian journalist in London.
Two US police officers have been placed on administrative leave after a Seven Network journalist and cameraman were beaten at a rally outside the White House.
Amelia Brace was struck by a truncheon and Tim Myers punched and hit with a shield when US Park Police in riot gear aggressively cleared Washington DC’s Lafayette Square of protesters on Monday ahead of a visit to a church by US President Donald Trump.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, who compared Mr Trump’s walk to the church to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill examining bomb damaged London in World War II, defended the actions of the police.
“As is consistent with our established practices and procedures, two US Park Police officers have been assigned to administrative duties, while an investigation takes place regarding the incident with the Australian Press,” Park Police acting Chief Gregory Monahan said on Wednesday.