Richard Engel Under Fire In Libya (VIDEO)

UPDATE: Richard Engel appeared on Wednesday's "Rachel Maddow Show" with a fuller report of what happened to him when he came under fire. He was reporting from the rebel front lines in Libya when, he said, there was a series of explosions 50 yards away. To see the report, click here.

ORIGINAL: NBC's chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel had a close call when he was came under fire while reporting in Libya on Wednesday.

In an appearance on Wednesday's "Hardball," Engel played footage that showed him ducking and falling to the ground as several explosions rang out overhead. Speaking to Chris Matthews, Engel said that nobody he was with had been hurt. He said he had been covering the Libyan rebel forces, so presumably the shots came from the Libyan army.

WATCH:

Comments

[Sirkll]

10:41 AM on 04/01/2011

Yes he's a great journalist. Yes he has a brass set. Yes he nearly got blown up interviewing a guy holding a plastic gun (the guy had the gun. not Richard Engel). All this is fine and well, but I have to know...WHAT DOES HE USE IN HIS HAIR? I have "follicle envy". Reports from the deserts of Libya, bombs flying at his noggin, and his hair stays amazing. Richard Engel gets an award, where's the award for his hair? "Scrunchy of Freedom" maybe?
I want his hair (because I am a sad, balding little man). Also think his hair could win 2012 nomination for President. "Vote EngelHair 2012"!

[zsilvia]

06:28 AM on 03/27/2011

Richard Engel's career should explode after this is all over. He deserves it. Best journalist out there. He will be the next big name in news

[Happy Cat]

03:42 PM on 03/26/2011

Richard Engel is an amazing reporter. He seems to be always in the middle of the action, and is so knowledgable about the Middle East, even able to speak the different languages, making him a valuable source of raw news. NBC has the very best foreighn coresspondent. Can't say enough good about his reporting!

[MIZZOU-DMCRT-PLEXICO]

05:42 PM on 03/26/2011

Happy, I loved it when Andrea Mitchell called him the Chief Foreighn Corresspondent on her Friday show. He was so blown away by her compliment..and she was so true for giving him the title he is so deserving to have! Fav'd my friend...

Peace
Mizzou

[Happy Cat]

09:43 PM on 03/26/2011

Mizzou, Did you see the smile on his face when Andrea called him Chief Foreign Corresspondent? He is so darn cute!!! Hope you have a wonderul Sunday.

Happy Cat

[Tom Payned]

02:20 PM on 03/26/2011

Richard Engel is one of the few real "journalist" of our day.

I have nothing but respect for that man. I'd love to see the chickenhawks on FAUX, or in Congress go where he does.

That's not to say there aren't other brave journalists out there, but this guy gets right into the thick of things and moves in the Arab world like no Caucasian I'm aware of.

[robnelsong]

12:24 AM on 03/26/2011

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Richard Engel has more cojones than the entire Fake News organization. He speaks Arabic, he has worked the Middle East for years, and he tells the truth during his airtime, regardless of the opinion of the NBC executive suits. I hope he keeps his job, given his courage to stand up to very powerful business and political forces.

[MIZZOU-DMCRT-PLEXICO]

05:40 PM on 03/25/2011

Richard Engel is a true American Hero in our eyes! Please be and stay safe...
Love always, America

If I wasn't already happily married..I'd ask him to marry me! I'd go anywhere with him, wouldn't you my dear lady friends & some of my guy friends here at HP..??

Peace
Mizzou

[Happy Cat]

03:45 PM on 03/26/2011

Hey Mizzou, I'll second that!! Fav'd Friend, Happy Cat

[MIZZOU-DMCRT-PLEXICO]

05:37 PM on 03/26/2011

Hello my dear friend Happy. Richard is the best at what he does, and he amazes with such bravery and dedication. All truth to power my friend..Hope you are having a great day!

Peace
Mizzou

[camelias and sweet tea]

05:28 PM on 03/25/2011

Love Richard Engel... He is always right out there with every conflict this country sticks its nose into.
He is a GREAT journalist

[rhondarenee]

06:06 PM on 03/24/2011

I love how the first rebel knocked him to the ground and the second one ran over and layed on top of him. They're really looking out for him.

[patman77]

05:27 PM on 03/24/2011

this dude is a man of ethics in journalism,bravery beyond bounds and the foremost unsung heroe in media news today. rachel maddow and he interacting on any subject from anywhere and any type of location is truely something to behold. Its too bad most re T thugs will never get to see him because of closed minded an dhomphobisms. Its kinda like most people will never get far out enough to realize how FAR OUT! jimmy Hendrix was.

[Guscat]

01:51 PM on 03/25/2011

Fanned. Rachel Maddow and Richard attended Stanford together.

[Happy Cat]

03:48 PM on 03/26/2011

Thanks for the info. 2 of my favorite people! FnF

[nogornc]

03:38 PM on 03/24/2011

Meanwhile... Fuax-PAC reporters report on weak supply of breakfast danish at the Ramada...

[kevman08]

03:37 PM on 03/24/2011

I would've definitely needed a clean pair of shorts after that.

[darrtown]

01:39 PM on 03/24/2011

Wow, That took me back to Czechoslovakia in 1968 when I had to beat feet for safety. And 2 years later in Afghanistan during a village squabble with AK's. See? It's not like the movies.

[Emitremmus]

01:17 PM on 03/24/2011

I love Richard Engel he is a true journalist a man who puts it all on the line for the sake of truth. He reminds me a modern day Robert Capa.
http://www.photo-seminars.com/Fame/capa.htm

[whowhatwhywherewhen]

01:00 PM on 03/24/2011

This dude has some major stones.

[cargofuzz]

12:34 PM on 03/24/2011

Give that man a raise! A true journalist who does his job and his homework.