Australian Journalist Hit by Rubber Bullet During Protests in Los Angeles

In a shocking incident on Sunday, Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was struck in the leg by a rubber bullet while covering protests in downtown Los Angeles against President Donald Trump's immigration policies. The protests intensified due to the deployment of California National Guard troops in the city.

Tomasi, a correspondent for 9News, was live on air when chaos erupted. As she relayed the tense situation—"the LAPD is moving in on horseback, firing rubber bullets at protesters"—an officer behind her fired a rubber bullet at close range, a moment captured on video.

From the crowd, a stunned voice yelled, "You just f---ing shot the reporter!"

Despite the harrowing moment, Tomasi reassured her crew that she was okay, saying, “Yeah, I’m good. I’m good.”

The Explosive Context of the Protests

The protests have surged in response to Trump’s decision to send at least 300 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, which spurred outrage among demonstrators. As tensions boiled over, protesters managed to block major freeways and even set self-driving cars on fire, while law enforcement struggled to maintain order with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flashbangs.

As night fell, many protesters dispersed after the police declared an unlawful assembly, leading to arrests. Some remaining demonstrators retaliated with thrown objects, creating a volatile scene.

The Broader Implications and Reactions

After the incident, Tomasi updated 9News, confirming that she and her cameraman were safe, calling it “one of the unfortunate realities of reporting” in such charged environments. 9News highlighted the dangers journalists face while providing critical information during protests.

In response, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs urged that all journalists should be allowed to work safely, emphasizing the importance of media freedom. Australian Senator Sarah Hanson-Young demanded an urgent explanation from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding an Australian journalist being targeted, calling the situation both shocking and unacceptable.

Tensions Escalate in Los Angeles