Sky News Interrupted by Masked Men Shouting “Free Palestine” During Live Report on U.K. Riots
U.K.-based Sky News was forced to cut off its live feed after a group of masked men interrupted its report on the unrest in Birmingham, England. The men, shouting profanities and “Free Palestine,” approached the reporter, Becky Johnson, as she was covering the ongoing riots in the city.
The incident occurred as Johnson was speaking about the crowds of Muslim men gathering in Birmingham to “defend the streets” from the “far right” following the stabbing deaths of three girls that sparked renewed anger over England’s immigration policies.
As the masked men approached the camera crew on bikes, one of them shouted “Free Palestine” and directed profanities at the camera. Sky News presenter Mark Austin quickly apologized for the language and cut off the live feed as more masked men approached.
The clip of the incident went viral on social media, with many accounts sharing the footage. Sky News later posted an update on its live blog, describing the “tense situation” that forced Johnson off-air.
Riots have been erupting across England in recent days, fueled by false rumors that an asylum seeker was responsible for the stabbing deaths at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event. The violence has led to dozens of police officers being hospitalized for injuries and attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to crack down on the violence, announcing the creation of a “standing army” of specialist police to deal with rioting and promising swift justice for those involved in the unrest.
Despite the challenges faced by journalists covering the riots, Sky News and other media outlets continue to report on the unfolding situation in England.
