Incident details
- Updated on
- Date of incident
- January 12, 2019
- Location
- Chico, California
- Targets
- Meaghan Mackey (KRCR-TV)
- Assailant
- Private individual
- Was the journalist targeted?
- Yes
Assault
Meaghan Mackey, in a screenshot from her Facebook Live for KRCR News Channel 7, was attacked while broadcasting from the scene of a mass overdose in Chico, California.
California woman arrested, sentenced in connection with attack on journalist
A woman who knocked television reporter Meaghan Mackey to the ground while Mackey was reporting live in Chico, California, in 2019 was arrested in connection with the attack and sentenced to probation on March 11, 2020, according to court records reviewed by the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker.
Mackey was broadcasting on Facebook Live for KRCR-TV in January 2019, reporting on a group of people who had overdosed on drugs, many of whom were later hospitalized. A woman approached Mackey and began shouting at her, telling her that her actions were “disrespectful.” She then knocked Mackey to the ground.
Kala Khemvisai was arrested and charged in Butte County Superior Court with battery and fighting. In March 2020, she pleaded no contest to the fighting charge, and the battery charge was dropped.
Khemvisai was sentenced to three years’ probation and $437.50 in fines and fees, Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey told the Tracker via email.
Meaghan Mackey, a reporter for KRCR News Channel 7, was attacked while broadcasting a Facebook Live from the scene of a mass overdose in Chico, California, on Jan. 12, 2019.
The news station has removed the video from its Facebook page, though numerous outlets have posted it, either edited or in raw version, such as here. In it, Mackey can be seen describing the scene before lifting up the camera to move closer.
While Mackey is out of view, a female voice can be heard.
“This is disrespectful, do you understand that,” the unidentified woman asks. “It’s dis-f---ing-respectful, b----. Get the f--- out of here!”
Mackey screams and is apparently knocked to the ground as her attacker continues to shout obscenities at her. A male voice can be heard intervening in the attack just before the video cuts out.
The station released a statement on Twitter following the attack:
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
The following day, Mackey released an official statement on Twitter:
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
According to the Chico Police Department, no arrests have been made at this time.
Twelve people were hospitalized as a result of the mass overdose and one man was pronounced dead at the scene, according to The Associated Press.
The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker catalogues press freedom violations in the United States. Email tips to [email protected].
