US journalist Meaghan Mackey was doing a Facebook livestream in California on Sunday (local time) for TV station KRCR Channel 7.

Video has emerged of her live cross on the scene and the attack which ensued.

Mackey says she is about to provide an update on the “mass overdose” as a police car’s sirens are seen flashing in the background.

View photos Meaghan Mackey was attacked during a live cross for TV station KRCR in California. Source: Facebook/ Redding Be Like 4.0 and KRCR More

“Now, I’m going to walk you over to what’s happening now,” Mackey says.

“We’ve actually learned some new information.”

Mackey then picks up the camera herself and begins to walk closer to the scene.

A woman is soon heard yelling off-screen.

View photos Mackey moves the camera to try and get closer to the scene. Source: Facebook/ Redding Be Like 4.0 and KRCR More

“This is disrespectful, do you understand that?” the woman says.

“It’s disrespectful b**** – get the f*** out of here.”

It is not known what is happening off camera but a struggle happens and the camera falls to the ground before screaming is heard.

“I was doing my job,” Mackey tweeted after she was attacked.

Her news station later confirmed Mackey had been attacked while covering the drug overdose.

“Meaghan is very shaken up but is okay,” it tweeted.

“We are thankful law enforcement was right there and handled the situation quickly. We appreciate your kind words.”

Mackey also confirmed she was assaulted and thanked viewers for messages of support.

“I was doing my job,” she tweeted.

“I am thankful for the quick response from law enforcement. I am also very appreciative of all the support I’ve received from colleagues, viewers, friends and family. I am still shaken up, but am okay.

As many of you know, our reporter Meaghan Mackey was attacked while at the scene of a mass overdose in Chico tonight. Meaghan is very shaken up but is okay. We are thankful law enforcement was right there and handled the situation quickly. We appreciate all your kind words. — KRCR News Channel 7 (@KRCR7) January 13, 2019





“I stand with all journalists in defence of the truth.”

She added she “will not live in fear” of doing her job.

“I value the freedom of the press and will continue to report on the truth and inform the public even during times of tragedy,” Mackey said.

After video emerged of the attack on Facebook, viewers were sickened by what happened to Mackey.

“I hope that punk was arrested,” one woman wrote.

Another labelled the attacker’s actions “disrespectful”.

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