A BFMTV television crew was violently attacked by demonstrators at a protest in Lyon on Saturday, prompting police to intervene to protect them, the Rhône prefecture said. The team included two journalists and two security agents. According to the prefecture, demonstrators “threw themselves” on the group in an incident described as “very violent” and with “a will to lynch.” CRS officers made a “offensive rush” to shield the crew. A freelance journalist who witnessed the attack said one of the crew was struck multiple times, while a camera was thrown to the ground, damaged, then recovered and stolen. Another witness said he removed his press badge to avoid being attacked and reported being hit by two stones in the foot. BFMTV’s editorial director condemned “unacceptable violence” and called for people not to share images circulating online. The prefect also said he condemned the assaults on journalists and reaffirmed that press freedom and the right to inform are key democratic pillars. The Saturday demonstration in Lyon brought together 8,000 people according to authorities and saw tensions near the front, including mortar fire and tear gas grenade fire, according to the reporting. As of now, the incident remains under investigation, with police protection of the assaulted crew being the latest confirmed response reported by authorities.