Footage from a live news report on gun violence shows a man flashing what appears to be a firearm at the camera before running off down the street.
The incident took place on the corner of Clark Street and Hubbard Street in Chicago, where Fox32 reporter Joanie Lum was speaking about gun violence in the Illinois city.
While she was live on-air at around 7:00am yesterday, 25 May, a man appeared in the background of the segment and pointed what is believed to be a firearm at the TV crew.
Fox32 confirmed the reporter and camera operator were uninjured, saying Chicago Police has issued a community alert about the incident, and that the force is ‘trying to track down’ the man in the footage’.
Reporting on the incident, Natalie Bomke said in a follow-up news segment: “Around 7:00am, at the corner of Clark and Hubbard, while our reporter was in the middle of live report about gun violence in Chicago, a man walked up and pointed what appeared to be a firearm at our crew.
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“Right now, police are calling this man a person of interest, accused of aggravated assault with a firearm.
“If you have any information about who he is, or where he is, please contact Chicago Police.”
She added: “Our reporter and photographer were not injured and they want to say thank you to the viewers who were watching Good Day Chicago and called or emailed to make sure our crew was okay.”
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Lum later tweeted about her ‘eventful day’, saying she wound down with some cake.
“After an eventful day the question was cake or beer?” she asked, before adding: “I chose cake. Was I wrong?”
Many people wished her well after the ordeal, with one commenting: "So glad you guys weren’t physically hurt Joanie. I know the mental trauma is a whole other thing to deal with. Thinking of you. Hugs and love."
Someone else said: "Joanie, you work so hard everyday. I admire your work all the way down to your notepad. You are always ready to go! What happened to you in your live shot is very disturbing. Thank God you & crew are safe! @fox32news You are appreciated!"
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According to CBS, the suspect is described as being aged between 18 and 25, with a height of 5ft 6-5ft8 and a thin build, weighing 130-150lbs.
He was also wearing a dark hoodie, a black jacket, light ripped blue jeans, and dark shoes at the time of the incident.
UNILAD has contacted Chicago Police for comment.
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Topics: US News
Jess Hardiman