TV newsgal viciously attacked live on camera

Meaghan Mackey of KRCR-TV (screenshot)

A TV news reporter was viciously attacked during a live broadcast Saturday night as she was reporting on a mass drug overdose in Northern California.

Meaghan Mackey of KRCR-TV in Redding was interrupted during her news report and physically assaulted during by a woman who apparently objected to her coverage of events in Chico, California.

One person died and 14 others had to be hospitalized in connection with the overdose incident, and Mackey was reporting from the scene.

As Mackey was live-streaming her report on Facebook Live, an unidentified woman who was off-camera approached the reporter and began hurling obscenities, saying:

"This is disrespectful, do you understand that? Do you understand that? It's dis-f***ing-respectful, b*tch! Get the f*** out of here!"

See video of the attack (WARNING: Some obscenities can be heard):

The camera appears to be shaken violently as the pair grapple, and a man's voice is heard trying to break up the scuffle.

"As many of you know, our reporter Meaghan Mackey was attacked while doing a Facebook live at the scene of a mass overdose in Chico tonight," said her station on Facebook. "Meaghan is very shaken up but is okay. We are thankful law enforcement was right there and handled the situation quickly."

Meaghan Mackey of KRCR-TV (screenshot)

Mackey addressed the violence on her Twitter page, Sunday explaining:

"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."

"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."

"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."

Official Statement: 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 @KRCR7 (1/3)

— Meaghan Mackey (@KRCRMeaghan) January 13, 2019

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. (2/3)

— Meaghan Mackey (@KRCRMeaghan) January 13, 2019

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 (3/3)

— Meaghan Mackey (@KRCRMeaghan) January 13, 2019

Mackey has received an outpouring of support online, with comments on Facebook including:

"I am so sorry this happened to you. I am so glad you were not seriously injured. Do take care, and don't let this stop you from doing your job. Very sad situation, and I hope the person responsible was arrested."

"I watched live! Thank you for the update it was terrible to watch and know nothing! [Praying] in San Diego."

"I saw what happened tonight with Meaghan Mackey. I've also seen she travels doing her own camera shots. Don't you think it’s high time to show her the same dedication and allow her a camera person. This is ridicules that a young Woman cannot be safe doing her job!"