Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet fired by U.S. police while reporting live from downtown Los Angeles during ongoing protests related to federal immigration raids. The incident was caught on video, showing Tomasi screaming in pain and clutching her leg as nearby protesters yelled, “You shot the journalist!”
Tomasi, a correspondent for Australia’s Nine News, was covering the third night of violent clashes in Los Angeles, where law enforcement—including the LAPD, National Guard, and ICE officers—have been attempting to quell widespread protests and rioting.
Live Broadcast Turns Violent
Moments before being struck, Tomasi described a tense and deteriorating scene:
“After hours of tension, the situation here has escalated rapidly. Police have charged in on horseback, firing rubber bullets to push back protesters in the heart of the city.”
Within seconds, the live footage captured her scream and stagger, gripping her thigh in pain. She had been hit by one of the non-lethal rounds fired into the crowd. Protesters surrounding her quickly called out to officers, one shouting:
“You shot the journalist!”
Outrage and Backlash
The footage has gone viral, sparking international condemnation and renewed concern over press safety in the U.S. during civil unrest. Advocates and journalism associations have called for an investigation into the use of force against accredited media personnel.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a statement hours later, demanding clarity from the LAPD:
“Journalists must be able to report from protest zones without becoming targets. This is unacceptable.”
As of this report, Tomasi is recovering and has not sustained life-threatening injuries. Nine News has confirmed her condition and is preparing a formal complaint.
Context: Operation and Clashes in L.A.
The incident occurred during protests sparked by a coordinated series of immigration raids involving ICE, DHS, and National Guard personnel. President Trump ordered the operation as part of a broader crackdown on what he called “migrant chaos,” prompting widespread demonstrations across California.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom have both condemned the federal response, accusing the Trump administration of escalating tensions and militarizing the streets.
Meanwhile, federal authorities maintain the response is necessary to reestablish law and order amid looting, violence, and targeted attacks on police.
LAPD Under Scrutiny
The Los Angeles Police Department has not yet issued an official statement regarding the rubber bullet incident involving Tomasi, though internal sources suggest that “non-lethal crowd control rounds were deployed under authorized engagement protocols.”
However, critics argue that non-lethal force is being used recklessly, and the targeting of a clearly identified reporter could lead to legal consequences and further public distrust.
