Reporter Meaghan Mackey attacked during live broadcast

A California journalist reporting at the scene of a mass overdose was attacked during a live broadcast, footage shows.

KRCR reporter Meaghan Mackey was livestreaming a report on fentanyl overdoses in Chico that left at least one dead and 12 hospitalized on Saturday when bystanders interrupted her.

“This is disrespectful, do you understand that,” someone can be heard saying before another woman starts screaming, “Get the f–k out of here.”

At one point, Mackey’s camera ends up on the ground and she can be heard screaming before the video cuts out.

Mackey posted a series of tweets Sunday after the altercation.

“As many of you know, I was attacked and assaulted at the scene of a mass overdose in Chico, California last night. I was doing my job, reporting the facts on a major incident during a Facebook live for my news station,” 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 doing okay. I stand with all journalists working in defense of the truth,” she wrote.

“Thank you to anyone who has reached out or expressed their concerns. I appreciate your kind words of support. I will not live in fear of doing my job. I value the freedom of the press & will continue to report on the truth and inform the public, even during times of tragedy,” she continued.

The station released a statement on Twitter following the incident: “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.”

On Monday, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office identified the man who died in the overdose as 34-year-old Aris Turner, according to KRCR.