The US Ambassador to Australia says he is taking the "mistreatment of journalists seriously" after a reporter and cameraman for 7News were attacked outside the White House.
Cameraman Tim Myers was hit with a riot shield and punched while journalist Amelia Brace was hit with a baton by police officers on Monday (US Time).
The police had been attempting to clear the road for Donald Trump who was making a public address on the protests throughout the United States.
On Tuesday night Ambassador Arthur B Culvahouse Jr issued a statement to Twitter addressing the incident.
"Freedom of the press is a right Australians and Americans hold dear," he said.
"We take the mistreatment of journalists very seriously, as do all who take democracy seriously.
"As Secretary Pompeo has stated: 'At all levels the Department of State works tirelessly to advance press freedom, and we honour those who have dedicated and even sacrificed their lives to sustaining democracy through journalism'.
"We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting journalists and guaranteeing equal justice under law for all."
But his statement has been met with criticism online with commenters calling his words "hollow" and "hypocritical" as the US Government has called the press the "enemy of the people".
They've called for him to do something more than just acknowledge the incident.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has also commented on the attack calling it troubling.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported he had spoken to the crew at 7News, offered his Government's support and called for an investigation from the embassy.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese also condemned the attack on journalists just trying to do their jobs.
"In a democratic society the role of the media is critical, and it's important the media are able to report on events, including crises such as we're seeing in the United States, free from harassment," the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
"The violence that has occurred towards members of the media is completely unacceptable."
Myers and Brace said they were feeling okay after the attack but expected to wake up with a few bruises on Wednesday.
