During violent protests in downtown Los Angeles over President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, Australian 9News reporter Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet while reporting live near the Metropolitan Detention Centre. The protests escalated from small gatherings to thousands of rioters, with vehicles set on fire and clashes breaking out with police.
Tomasi was describing the LAPD moving in on horseback and firing rubber bullets when she was hit. A bystander shouted, “You just shot the reporter,” while footage appeared to show an officer aiming directly at her. Despite the incident, Tomasi remained calm and confirmed she was okay.
9News later stated that Tomasi and her camera operator were safe, calling the incident a reminder of the dangers journalists face while covering protests. Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young condemned the shooting as “completely unacceptable” and urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to raise the issue with the US government, stressing the importance of press freedom.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged residents to avoid violence and chaos during the ongoing unrest.
